SHINKUN LA TUNNEL -
GEOGRAPHY
News: BRO to complete 2 roads near
China border, start work on world’s highest tunnel
What's in the news?
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The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is gearing up
to initiate the construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel.
Shinkun La Tunnel:
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The Shinkun La Tunnel is an upcoming motorable
passage situated beneath the 16,580 feet high Shinku-La pass, linking Himachal’s Lahaul valley and
Ladakh’s Zanskar valley.
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Positioned on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road link, the
tunnel spans a length of 4.1 kilometers.
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Upon completion, it will emerge as the longest high altitude highway tunnel worldwide.
Cost:
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The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has undertaken the construction of the tunnel at an estimated
cost of Rs. 1,681.5 crores.
Significance:
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Once operational, the Shinku-la tunnel will furnish
all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh,
serving as the shortest route to Ladakh's border areas.
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Its construction is anticipated to facilitate the transportation of heavy
machinery to strategic locations like Kargil, Siachen, and the Line of
Control (LOC), effectively shortening travel distances by approximately 100
kilometers.
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Notably, traffic movement within the tunnel will be
immune to long-range artillery shelling or missile firings from adversaries
like China or Pakistan.
Go back to basics:
Border Roads
Organisation (BRO):
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The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a dedicated
road construction executive force in India, offering support to the Indian
Armed Force.
Resource Personnel:
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Personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force
(GREF) constitute the parent cadre of the BRO, complemented by officers and
troops from the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers on deputation.
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The BRO is incorporated into the Order of Battle of
the Armed Forces, ensuring its availability for support whenever required.
Motto:
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The organization's motto, "Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam" translates to "everything
is achievable through hard work.”
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Defence
Objectives:
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Its primary objectives include securing India's
borders and developing infrastructure in remote regions of the northern and
northeastern states.
Features:
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The BRO undertakes the development and maintenance
of road networks in India's border areas as well as in friendly neighboring
countries.
Areas of Operation:
● Its operational scope spans across 19 states, three union territories, and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka.