Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ladakh on July 26 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. During his visit, he will also virtually initiate the first blast for the construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Ladakh, following a tribute ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial.
The Shinkun La Tunnel, once completed, will be 4.1 kilometers long and will be constructed at an altitude of 15,800 feet on the Nimu – Padum – Darcha Road, making it the tallest tunnel in the world. This Twin–Tube Double Lane Tunnel will include cross passages every 500 meters, and feature advanced systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), mechanical ventilation, fire fighting, and communication systems.
“Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.
The tunnel will serve as a critical link, connecting the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh with the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh. Currently, there are two main routes to Leh: the Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil-Leh and the Manali-Atal Tunnel-Sarchu-Leh. Both routes have high-altitude passes that become snowbound, cutting off access for four to five months each year. With the completion of the Atal Tunnel, the route from Manali to Darcha now remains operational throughout the year, and the Shinkun La Tunnel is expected to provide similar all-weather connectivity.
