Ladakh is known for its stunning landscape comprising hilly terrains and snow-capped mountains. Located at over 3,000 metres above sea level, this Union Territory of India lies between the Himalayas and the Kunlun mountain range. The place has got a new attraction – the “world’s highest motorable road”. Let’s find out more about this strategically important road.
Who built it?
The Border Roads Organisation, the Indian Army’s road-building wing, has set a world record by constructing and black-topping the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of 19,024 feet, Incidentally, the road has been built at an altitude higher than the North and South Base Camps of Mount Everest; the North Base Camp in Tibet is at a height of 16,900 feet, while the South Base Camp in Nepal is at 17.598 feet The 52-km long road connects remote villages in eastern Ladakh. It is interesting to note that this road surpasses the previous record holder, a road in Bolivia which is at an altitude of 18.953 feet.
Guinness World Record
The BRO received a Guinness World Record certificate on November 16, 2021, for building the highest motorable road. Did you know the road at Umling La is situated at an altitude higher than even the Sinchen Glacier which is at 17.700 feet? Imagine the difficulties the must have encountered during the road the BRO construction in the harsh terrain and under extreme weather conditions. At the time of its inauguration in August 2021, the Ministry of Defence highlighted the challenges that went into constructing this road. The temperature in the area dropped below 40 degrees Celsius and the oxygen level was 50 cent less than normal during winters Mind-blowing, isn’t it?
Strategic road
The strategic road was built under the BROS Project Himank It passes through the Umling La Top and connects Chisionle and Demchok villages. The road is close to the line of Actual Control (The LAC is the disputed boundary India and China). A strong border infrastructure helps tackle challenges such as infiltration and illegal immigration besides facilitating quick movement of troops, weapons and equipment to high-altitude areas with ease. According to reports, the road construction project had been underway since 2017. The road is not just strategically important but will also play a role in boosting tourism and the socio-economic condition of the people in Ladakh.
Picture Credit : Google
