In a significant development, the Manali-Leh highway has been reopened to the general public. After several months of closure, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully cleared the 427 km highway of heavy snow in a commendable record time of 138 days.

The reopening of this crucial highway holds strategic importance as it enables the smooth movement of armed forces, along with their supplies and equipment, to the forward areas in the Ladakh region. Situated near the borders of both China and Pakistan, this route plays a vital role in connecting Ladakh with the rest of India.

The BRO, with a renewed emphasis on the early opening of strategic roads and passes, has diligently worked to reduce the duration of closures, ensuring that the highway becomes accessible earlier than in previous years. This has been made possible by the efficient functioning of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal, which has supplemented the benefits of the Srinagar and Manali routes to Ladakh.

Notably, the Srinagar route, spanning 439 km, was opened on March 16 after just 68 days, marking a remarkable improvement compared to the past when the 11,540 ft Zoji La pass, located 100 km from Srinagar, remained closed for extended periods. Similarly, the Manali-Leh road via the Atal Tunnel was recently opened after 138 days, instead of the usual May/June timeframe.

Furthermore, reports indicate that the Shinku La pass, situated at an altitude of 16,561 ft on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha (NPD) road, has resumed traffic after a gap of 55 days. The early resumption of traffic on these routes will not only aid in better distribution of forces over a longer period but also facilitate the trucking of essential supplies, thus reducing the reliance on costly air freight. Additionally, tourists and guest workers traveling to Ladakh will have a more affordable travel option compared to flights, which become the sole means of transportation during periods of limited road connectivity due to heavy snowfall.

With the Manali-Leh highway now accessible, the Ladakh region is set to witness increased mobility and connectivity, benefiting various sectors and enhancing overall development in the area.