After months of closure, the Manali-Leh highway has finally reopened to the general public. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the 427-kilometre-long lane of heavy snow in a record time of 138 days. This strategic route holds immense importance as it enables the smooth movement of armed forces and supplies to the Ladakh region, which shares borders with China and Pakistan, while also connecting Ladakh to the rest of India.
The swift reopening of the highway via Srinagar and Manali has been made possible with the support of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh. The BRO, emphasising early road clearance for strategic purposes, has worked tirelessly to reduce the duration of closures and open the roads earlier than in previous years.
Earlier this year, the 439-kilometre Srinagar route opened on March 16 after just 68 days, a significant improvement from previous times when the challenging 11,540-foot-high Zoji La pass would remain closed for months. Similarly, the 427-kilometre Manali-Leh road, which includes the Atal Tunnel, recently reopened after 138 days, as opposed to the previous schedule of May/June.
Further reports reveal that the 16,561-foot-high Shinku La pass on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha (NPD) road resumed traffic after a gap of 55 days. The early reopening of these routes allows for better distribution of forces over a longer duration instead of concentrating them within a limited 3-4 months timeframe.
Apart from its military significance, the restored connectivity also facilitates the cost-effective transportation of essential supplies and provisions, reducing the reliance on expensive air freight. Additionally, it offers a more affordable travel option for people heading to Ladakh and guest workers who otherwise had to rely solely on flights during disrupted road connectivity caused by heavy snowfall.
The reopening of the Manali-Leh highway is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Border Roads Organisation, ensuring smooth access to Ladakh's remote and strategic regions. The timely clearance of snow-clogged routes not only enhances military operations but also improves the overall connectivity and accessibility for both residents and travellers in the area.
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