PM Modi Launches Construction of World's Highest Tunnel in Ladakh

Tags: State News National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually initiated the first blast for the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Kargil, Ladakh.

An Overview of the News

• The event was held on the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, where Modi also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

Project Details:

• The Shinkun La Tunnel is set to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh and is being constructed on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road.

• The tunnel will be a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel, constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet, making it the highest tunnel in the world.

• The construction will include cross-passages every 500 metres and is expected to take at least two years to complete.

Significance and Budget:

• The Shinkun La Tunnel will enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment and promote economic and social development in Ladakh.

• The project, with a budget of Rs 1,681 crore, was approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security in February of the previous year.

About Ladakh

• Union Territory Since: October 31, 2019

• Capitals: Leh and Kargil

• Districts: 2

• Lieutenant Governor: B. D. Mishra