The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is in a stage of advanced planning to construct multiple tunnels and high-altitude passes to ensure year-round road connectivity in eastern Ladakh. The move aims to strengthen strategic infrastructure and support defence logistics.

Col. Deepak Palande, Director (Works & Resources), Project Himank, said, “Primarily, Ladakh is linked by two national highways – NH 1 and NH 3. We are responsible for NH 3. The Rohtang tunnel has already come up and we are planning a few tunnels along passes like Baralacha and Tanglang.”

Tunnel alignments are nearly approved, final surveys are underway, and detailed project reports will follow. Construction timelines will vary from five to seven years depending on geological factors. The initiative includes new high-altitude passes.  Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass at 19,024 ft, is complete, with Mig La (19,400 ft) underway. Marshimik La is also operational. Eight of the world’s 14 highest motorable passes are under Project Himank, enhancing defence mobility and regional accessibility.