PM Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the world’s highest Shinkula tunnel from Kargil, the tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the world’s highest Shinkula Tunnel from Kargil, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. The event marked the start of construction work on the Shinkula Tunnel with the first blast at the northern portal on the Ladakh side.
![PM Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the world's highest Shinkula tunnel from Kargil, the tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh](https://diarytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shinkula-Tunnel-1024x538-1.jpg)
Kargil, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the world’s highest Shinkula Tunnel from Kargil, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. The event marked the start of construction work on the Shinkula Tunnel with the first blast at the northern portal on the Ladakh side. The project is under the aegis of Project Yojak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which was set up just two years ago. The Shinkula tunnel will span 4.1 km at an altitude of 16,580 feet. The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, significantly enhancing strategic and civilian movement. The project with a sanctioned expenditure of Rs 1681 crore will prove to be a game-changer for the infrastructure of the region.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the tunnel for national security and regional connectivity. He said, “Strategically important, this tunnel will facilitate the Indian Army’s access to the borders with Pakistan and China.” The tunnel is expected to facilitate movement of both military and civilian vehicles on the Manali-Kargil and Manali-Leh routes throughout the year, a significant improvement from the current situation where these routes are often inaccessible during winter.
Emphasizing the transformative impact of this project on the region, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, a new wave of development has also emerged in Ladakh, with the start of construction of the ‘Shinkun La Tunnel’. Through the Shinkun La Tunnel, Ladakh will remain connected to the country throughout the year, in every season. This tunnel will open a new path of development and new possibilities for Ladakh’s better future. We all know how many difficulties the people of Ladakh have to face due to harsh weather. The construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel will also reduce these difficulties. I especially congratulate my Ladakhi brothers and sisters on the start of work on this tunnel.”
BRO Project Planner Chief RK Shah emphasised on the ambitious timeline of the project. “The construction of this tunnel will be completed within three years,” he assured. Shah also pointed to the potential of the tunnel to provide substantial relief to the residents of Leh-Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley, giving them a safer and more comfortable route.
The Project Planner has previously completed a significant 9-km long tunnel in the country, showcasing its capability to handle critical infrastructure projects. The Shinkula Tunnel Project, once completed, will become a testimony to India’s engineering prowess and strategic foresight.
The completion of the Shinkula Tunnel will not only enhance connectivity but will also boost tourism and economic activities in the region, providing manifold benefits to the local population and the broader strategic interests of the nation.
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