Eastern Ladakh will see the construction of tunnels and access passageways, as per the plans set by BRO, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted transportation links regardless of weather conditions.
In the high-altitude region of eastern Ladakh, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is making significant strides towards ensuring all-weather road connectivity. The organisation is currently in the advanced planning stages of constructing numerous tunnels and high-altitude passes along National Highway 3, under its Project Himank [1][2][3].
The planned projects focus on key passes such as Baralacha and Tanglang. The alignments for these tunnels have been almost approved, and final surveys are underway. Each tunnel's construction timeline is estimated to be between five to seven years, depending on the complex geological and technical surveys required [1].
To accelerate construction, the BRO is adopting new technologies, particularly in the area of pre-casting [3]. This approach helps the BRO apply its resources more effectively during the construction season, which is limited to about six months due to the harsh winters at such high altitudes.
One of the most significant projects under Project Himank is the construction of the 130-km alternative road to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) military outpost in eastern Ladakh. This road, which is in the final stages of construction, is expected to enhance strategic connectivity near the Line of Actual Control and is projected to be fully operational by October-November 2026 [4].
Col. Deepak Palande, the director, works and resources, Project Himank, emphasised the strategic importance of roads in eastern Ladakh. He stated that they facilitate the movement of defense logistics, personnel, equipment, and military resources. The construction of these tunnels and roads is aimed at ensuring reliable year-round military and logistics movement capabilities in eastern Ladakh’s challenging terrain [1][4].
The BRO is responsible for the maintenance of communication and access to strategic areas close to the Line of Actual Control with China, particularly in the Ladakh region. The construction of these tunnels and roads is part of the BRO's mission to provide all-weather road connectivity in eastern Ladakh [1].
Notable achievements under Project Himank include the completion of Umling La, currently the world's highest motorable pass at 19,024 ft, and the construction of the Rohtang tunnel [1]. Another pass, Mig La, a pass at 19,400 ft, is under construction and will surpass Umling La once completed [1].
Eight out of the 14 highest motorable passes in the world are currently under Project Himank, demonstrating the organisation's commitment to improving infrastructure in this challenging terrain [1].
[1] The Times of India, "BRO to construct multiple tunnels, high-altitude passes in eastern Ladakh", August 2, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, "BRO plans to construct tunnels, high-altitude passes in eastern Ladakh", August 2, 2025. [3] Economic Times, "BRO adopts pre-casting technology for accelerated construction in eastern Ladakh", August 2, 2025. [4] Indian Express, "130-km alternative road to DBO military outpost in eastern Ladakh nearing completion", August 2, 2025.
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is leveraging new technologies, such as pre-casting, to accelerate the construction of tunnels and high-altitude passes along National Highway 3, aiming for all-weather road connectivity.
- The construction of numerous tunnels, including those along key passes like Baralacha and Tanglang, is being planned, with alignments almost approved and final surveys ongoing.
- The finance and business sectors are likely to analyze the impact of these projects on the transportation industry, considering the strategic benefits they offer for defense logistics movement in challenging terrain.
- The planned projects under Project Himank, such as the 130-km alternative road to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) military outpost, may potentially impact imports by enhancing strategic connectivity near the Line of Actual Control.
- In the sports world, athletic enthusiasts may subscribe to analysis of the record-breaking passes under Project Himank, with eight out of the 14 highest motorable passes currently under construction.
- The construction of multiple tunnels and high-altitude passes in eastern Ladakh, as part of the BRO's mission, represents a significant boost to the infrastructure industry in this high-altitude region.
