Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted the first blast on Friday to mark the beginning of the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel from Ladakh’s Drass. The 4.1km twin-tube tunnel is intended to create all-weather connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Additionally, the tunnel will enable quick and efficient movement of the armed forces and equipment, as well as support economic and social development in Ladakh.
The 5 things about the tunnel:
- The Shinkun La tunnel project involves the construction of a 4.1-kilometre twin-tube tunnel that will connect Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh’s Leh via the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road.
- The tunnel, to be built at an altitude of around 15,800 feet, is expected to be completed in four years.
- Once finished, it will hold the title of the world’s highest tunnel, surpassing China’s Mila tunnel at 15,590 ft.
- The tunnel’s construction will significantly improve military mobility and logistics support for deployed forces in the Ladakh sector, as the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road will provide the third connectivity option to Ladakh.
- The road between Nimmu and Darcha was connected in March 2024 and is currently undergoing blacktopping.
He visited the Kargil War Memorial to mark the 25th anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, which celebrates India’s triumph over Pakistan in the 1999 conflict. He placed a wreath of flowers at the War Memorial and paid his respects to the courageous soldiers of the Kargil War, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army declared victory in “Operation Vijay” after a grueling three-month battle in the frigid heights of Kargil in Ladakh. This day is now known as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to honor India’s success over Pakistan in the war.