The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Leh, India): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully reopened the 428-km Leh-Manali National Highway to vehicular traffic, following its seasonal closure due to severe winter conditions. This key artery, which connects the Union Territory of Ladakh with the rest of India through Himachal Pradesh, was shut down in November last year as heavy snowfalls blanketed the route.
A defense spokesperson based in Leh announced that the road was cleared and opened by the BRO after extensive snow removal efforts. The operation involved the coordinated efforts of the 111 Road Construction Company (RCC) and the 753 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project HIMANK in the Ladakh region, and the 70 RCC and 38 BRTF under Project Deepak in Himachal Pradesh.
The clearance teams embarked on this daunting task from two ends of the highway, working simultaneously towards the middle at Sarchu, the border point between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. This strategic approach ensured efficient snow removal, despite the challenging high-altitude conditions and frequent snow storms.
The personnel faced harsh weather and difficult terrain to clear snow from critical passes along the highway, including Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La, which are situated at elevations ranging from 15,547 feet to 17,482 feet.
The reopening of the Leh-Manali Highway is a significant development for the region, facilitating the resumption of travel and transport between these important areas, and marks the culmination of another successful season of operations by the BRO to maintain accessibility in one of the most challenging terrains in India.