New Shortcut to Ladakh Unveiled: Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road Opens
Scenic view of road by landscape with mountain, road and blue sky seen through motor bike, Leh is a town in the Leh district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved a major feat by establishing connectivity on the 298-km Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh, marking the inauguration of a crucial route that significantly reduces travel time and enhances accessibility to the region.
Key Points:
Third Axis to Ladakh: The newly inaugurated Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road serves as the third axis apart from the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes, offering a shorter and more efficient passage to Ladakh.
Single Pass: Notably, this route features only one pass, ShinkunLa, standing at an elevation of 16,558 feet. The presence of just one pass streamlines the journey, making it quicker and more effective.
Strategic Importance: The road’s strategic significance lies in its shorter distance and the commencement of tunnel construction at Shinkun La by the BRO, ensuring all-weather access to Ladakh.
Route Details: Forming part of the Kargil-Leh highway, the road traverses through Darcha and Nimmu, providing all-weather connectivity to Leh. It commences 35 kilometres before Leh, at Nimo on the Leh-Srinagar highway, and connects Manali to Leh via Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil-Leh highway.
Construction Amidst Challenging Conditions: Despite the frozen conditions in January, the BRO successfully mobilized equipment and personnel to complete the connectivity project. The upcoming task includes black topping the road and commencing construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, further solidifying the third all-weather axis to Ladakh.
The opening of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road marks a significant stride in enhancing connectivity and accessibility to Ladakh, benefiting not only civilian travelers but also facilitating the movement of Army personnel, particularly during colder months.
