80% work of Manali-Leh road widening completed: BRO

Kullu, September 30

The widening of the 479-km Manali-Sarchu-Leh National Highway to two lanes will be accomplished in the next three to four years. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) says that 80 per cent of the project that commenced in 2008 has been completed.

The Manali-Sarchu-Leh road acquired added strategically importance after the Kargil War in 1999. This highway was given priority over the Jammu-Srinagar-Leh route, because it was far away from the prying eyes of the enemy. Most of the military supplies to the border areas were transported through this road during the Kargil war, as the road via Srinagar was exposed to risks.

The BRO has constructed many double-lane permanent bridges replacing the old ones. The longest 360-metre steel truss bridge of Himachal has been completed for vehicular movement at Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti district. The remaining bridges are also being constructed at a fast pace.

It will be easy for the Indian Army to transport heavy weapons and logistics to the border areas after the widening of the national highway. It will also provide fresh tourism avenues in the Lahaul valley and will benefit agriculturists and orchardists as well. Many tourists, including foreigners, take this route during the summer to visit Leh and Ladakh and improvement in the condition of this road will boost tourism in the region. — OC

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