All Weather Connectivity To Leh: PM Modi Carries Out 'First Blast' Of Strategic Shinkun La Tunnel Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (26 July) carried out the “first blast” for the Shinku La tunnel in Ladakh, which is aimed at providing all-weather connectivity from Manali to Leh via the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha axis.

The “first blast” is significant as it marks the beginning of the tunnel’s construction.

PM Modi carried out the "first blast" remotely from the Kargil war memorial in Dras, where he earlier paid tribute to Indian soldiers on the 25th anniversary of the war with Pakistan.

Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu – Padum – Darcha Road to provide all weather connectivity to Leh.

Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world, surpassing China’s Mila tunnel at 15,590 feet.

Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh, according to an official press release.

The construction of the Shinku La tunnel will further enhance military mobility and logistics support for deployed forces in the Ladakh sector, as the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road will offer a third connectivity option to Ladakh.

The 4.1-km long Shinku La tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, from 355 to 295 km.

It will serve as an alternative to the Manali-Leh and the traditional Srinagar-Leh routes. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road holds strategic importance as it is shorter than the other two axes and crosses only one pass, the 16,615-ft high Shinku La.

Also Read: Congress On Defensive After BJP Attack Over Former Punjab CM Channi Backing Pro-Khalistan Amritpal In Parliament