The Border Roads Organisation, which functions under the union ministry of defence, has constructed the highest motorable road in India, smashing the previous record held by Bolivia. The road is at the height of 19,300 feet and it passes through Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. It is a black-topped, 52-km road which connects many important towns in the Chumar sector of Eastern Ladakh, the ministry said in a statement.
As the ministry said, the altitude of this road is higher than the base camps of Mount Everest as the South Base Camp in Nepal is situated at an altitude of 17,598 ft while the North Base Camp in Tibet is at 16,900 ft. This road is much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier which is at 17,700 ft.
The road offers an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh and will be of great significance to promote tourism in Ladakh.
"Infrastructure development in such harsh and tough terrain is extremely challenging. During the winter, the temperature dips to -40 degrees and the oxygen is almost 50% less than at normal places. The BRO has achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions", the defence ministry said in its statment.
The project was underway since 2017 and now, four days ago, the blacktopping has been done, marking the completion of the project. This road is at a very strategic point as the villages that will be connected by the road are very close to the India-China border in the eastern sector. This road was constructed under Project Himank.
Tailpiece.
Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.
Went through the newspapers and spent time on the laptop to clear up the backlog.
Participated in the 549th episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Kaavyaanjali" by a team of literary heavyweights like Mr VP Joy, Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala, Prof Madhusoodanan Nair and others from 1730 - 1900 hrs. The venue was at the foot of the recently unveiled PN Panicker's statue at the traffic circle in Poojappura.
Also participated in the Zoom meeting of my IN course mates from 1900 - 1930 hrs. It was simply great.
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