Construction Mirror Article detail

PM Modi conducts ‘first blast’ of all-weather connectivity tunnel between Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Modi remotely triggered the “first blast” from Drass, Ladakh, marking the start of this ambitious project.

 

The Shinkun La tunnel, a 4.1-kilometer twin-tube structure, will be built at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road. This remarkable engineering feat will establish the highest tunnel in the world upon completion.

“This tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh,” a spokesperson stated. The initiation of this project coincided with the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day that commemorates the bravery and dedication of soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. Observed annually on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas honors the success of Operation Vijay, where Indian forces reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. An official release emphasized the significance of the Shinkun La tunnel, highlighting its role in enhancing connectivity and development in the region. The tunnel will provide year-round access to Leh, facilitating not just military logistics but also boosting local economies and improving the quality of life for residents.