Published 14:22 IST, September 9th 2019
Manali to Kargil journey now 3 days shorter thanks to BRO's efforts
Border Road Organisation's (BRO) colossal effort has made the journey to Kargil smooth sailing as it has connected the road to Zanskar via Shinkula pass.
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Border Road Organisation's (BRO) colossal effort has now finally made the journey to Kargil a smooth sail. It has connected Zanskar, a sub-district in Kargil to Manali via the Shinkula Pass. Earlier, the journey to Zanskar was about 850 kilometers, which consumed about 4 days. However, now the same distance via Manali is shortened to just 280 kilometers, making it a day's journey for the Indian Army to reach the valley.
A 160-foot long bridge was built sometime last year to connect the villages in Kargil with Zanskar. However, during the winters the road towards Shinkula pass are shut and vehicles are therefore prohibited. Thus, the construction of this road has made the travel easier and faster. Not only the Indian army, but the people of Zanskar district are also elated by this news.
A group of three took the route
Three people from Manali took the 16,600-foot long Shinkula pass to reach Zanskaar and made it to their destination in a day. On hearing this news, Ashish Ranjan, BRO's 126 Road Construction Company's (RCC) second Commanding Officer personally congratulated the group. The local people of Zanskar also gave them a warm reception and celebrated this as an event.
According to the 38 Border Road Task Force Commander Uma Shankar, these people who traveled the distance with a car will be remembered for a long time as efforts to reach Zanskar via Shinkula pass were made before but were unsuccessful. She further asserted that the road is still under construction at multiple stages so that it manages traffic properly and safely.
A 10-year-old initiative
BRO's 70 RCC took the initiative 10 years ago and the construction had begun back then. This initiative was followed by the aspiration of Tibetian Buddhist Tulku Lama who did his best for the same in his time. BRO chief engineer, DK Tyagi said that road to Shinkula Pass will be open throughout the year and further stated that the organisation is trying to shorten the border distance across the country.
12:30 IST, September 9th 2019