BRO constructs world’s highest motorable road in Ladakh, surpasses earlier records

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed the world’s highest motorable road, passing over Mig La, a 19,400-foot-high pass located in eastern Ladakh close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This surpasses its earlier two records at Umling La and Kardung La, both also in Ladakh.

“Border Roads Organisation #BRO has once again created history as Project Himank constructed the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass (19,400 ft) in #Ladakh surpassing its own Guinness World Record set at Umling La (19,024 ft),” the BRO said on its official X handle on Saturday.

“The newly built Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road holds immense strategic significance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, while also boosting tourism in #Ladakh and upliftment of India’s First Villages,” the post added.

The project was executed by BRO’s Project Himank, responsible for road construction and maintenance in eastern Ladakh. A BRO team, led by Project Himank’s Chief Engineer Brig Vishal Srivastava, hoisted the National Flag and the BRO ensign at the Mig La.

Beyond its strategic importance, the Mig La Pass is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in Ladakh. The extreme altitude, tough route and breath-taking landscape are a delight for adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenge.

According to BRO officials, 11 of the 14 highest motorable passes globally built have been constructed by the the BRO. For many years, Khardung La, which is the gateway to the Nubra Valley and Siachen in northern Ladakh, remained the highest motorable pass at 18,380 feet. About six years ago, Umling La, which is the route to Demchok, was developed.

Functioning under the Ministry of Defence, the BRO is responsible for infrastructure development in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries. This includes operations in 19 states and three Union Territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.

The BRO has constructed over 60,000 km of roads, 19 airfields and more than 1,000 bridges in some of the world’s toughest terrains. It is also engaged in the construction of several tunnels under high passes in the Western and North-eastern theatres to provide all-weather connectivity to forward areas.