In a significant development, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024. This 298-kilometer road serves as a crucial link between Manali and Leh, traversing through Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil – Leh Highway. Notably, it now stands as the third axis connecting Ladakh to the hinterland, alongside the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes.
The strategic significance of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road lies in its shorter distance compared to the other two axes and its traversal of only one pass, Shinkun La (16,558 feet). The BRO is set to commence tunnel work on this pass, ensuring all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region. This connectivity is expected to bolster defense preparedness and foster economic development in the Zanskar valley.
Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of Border Roads, highlighted the swift mobilization of equipment and personnel in January, during the frozen phase of River Zanskar, which enabled the completion of connectivity establishment. He expressed confidence that black topping of the road will commence shortly. Additionally, with the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel underway, the establishment of the third all-weather axis to Ladakh is imminent, he affirmed.