Shinku La tunnel will ease travel to Ladakh, says Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Shimla, April 19

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that it was due to due to the efforts of the state government that the Central Government provided forest clearance for the construction of the 4.1-km Shinku La tunnel.

Sukhu said that the Central Government gave clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) to build a 4.1-km tunnel to connect Lahaul to Ladakh. “The state government gave priority to the construction of this important tunnel and got approval from the Central Government by appointing a special officer. It is due to the efforts of the state government that the FCA clearance has been obtained for the construction of the tunnel,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that along with the tunnel, a helipad and an office complex would also be constructed there. He added that along with its south portal, an about 3,800-metre portion of the tunnel would also be built in Himachal Pradesh.

He said that this all-weather tunnel when ready would make it possible for people to travel to Ladakh on this shortest route. “The construction of the tunnel will allow the movement of vehicles even during snowfall. As such, the Shinku La tunnel will be important from the strategic point of view as well as the movement of security forces will become easier,” he added.

Sukhu said, “The tunnel will be built under the Shinku La at 4,800 metre. The construction of the tunnel will boost tourism activities in Lahaul and improve the economic condition and the standard of living of the people of the region.”