Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu has urged the Border Roads Organisation to begin construction on a strategic road linking Kinnaur with Lahaul-Spiti on the Indo-Tibet border. This road will enhance connectivity and tourism while improving defence logistics.Key Takeaways
- Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu requests BRO for road construction.
- New route will connect Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
- Clearance received from National Board for Wildlife.
- Proposed road to become second highest motorable road in India.
- Expected to boost tourism and improve defence logistics.
Shimla, April 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, made a request on Saturday to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the Defence Ministry and is responsible for maintaining strategic highways, to initiate the construction of a road that will link Kinnaur with Lahaul-Spiti, located along the Indo-Tibet border.
The Wangtu-Attargoo-Mudh-Bhawa Pass route has recently received clearance from the National Board for Wildlife for its construction, according to an official announcement.
This road, positioned at an altitude of 4,865 metres, is set to become the second highest motorable road in the country after Khardung La once completed. The Chief Minister raised this issue during a meeting with Director General (Border Roads) Lt. Gen Raghu Srinivasan.
During the meeting, the Director-General visited the Chief Minister to discuss significant infrastructure projects under Project Deepak. Upon completion, the proposed road would decrease the distance from the state capital to Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti, by nearly 100 km, providing a much-needed alternative to the currently challenging route through Nako, Sumdo, and Tabo.
The new road is expected to shorten the distance from the state capital to roughly 310 km, enhancing access, boosting tourism, and strengthening defence logistics in the area, according to government statements.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed about the progress of crucial road projects in the mountainous state and the improvement of connectivity for its residents.
The Director-General informed the Chief Minister that the BRO, through Project Deepak, is tasked with the upgrading, enhancing, and developing of three significant National Highways -- NH-03, NH-05, and NH-505 -- in the Manali and Sissu areas of Himachal Pradesh.
These initiatives are not only strategically important but are also designed to improve connectivity and enhance the living standards for residents in remote mountainous regions.
The Chief Minister commended the outstanding work being accomplished by the BRO in some of the most difficult high-altitude and inhospitable conditions of the state.
He praised the BRO's pivotal role in national security and the enhancement of the quality of life for local citizens. During the meeting, he requested the BRO to assume responsibility for the maintenance of essential road segments, including the Leo Chango and Shiv Mandir to Gue routes, which are currently managed by the state Public Works Department (PWD).
The Chief Minister also requested that the BRO take over the Chamba-Bairagarh-Sach Pass-Killar road, which is of strategic and logistical importance. This route connects the isolated Pangi Valley near the Line of Actual Control and serves as an alternative north-south corridor, especially during blockages on the Manali-Leh or Rohtang routes.
The road, currently maintained by the PWD, is only accessible for four to five months due to snow. Additionally, the Chief Minister raised concerns about the long-delayed 13-km Tissa Tunnel, which would cut the distance from Chamba to Killar by 88 km and facilitate all-weather connectivity.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the BRO's engagement would expedite the development of essential road infrastructure and further enhance Himachal Pradesh’s strategic connectivity and economic growth.
The Director-General assured the Chief Minister that these roads would be transferred as soon as the official handover from the PWD is concluded.
He stated that in-principle approval for the transfer has already been secured, and once all formalities are fulfilled, construction on these roads would be expedited.
