On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually initiated the first blast for the Shinkun La tunnel, marking the start of a pivotal infrastructure project in Ladakh.
Spanning 4.1 kilometers, this strategic tunnel promises to be a significant milestone for the region’s development.
The Shinkun La tunnel, likely to be the highest in the world, will traverse an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet above sea level.
It will be a twin-tube, double-lane structure, featuring advanced systems including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), mechanical ventilation, fire fighting, and communication systems.
Cross passages will be installed every 500 meters to ensure safety and accessibility.
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Prime Minister Modi highlighted the tunnel’s impact, emphasizing that it will enhance the efficiency of defense equipment transport and significantly boost economic and overall development in Ladakh.
The tunnel will connect the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh with the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, improving all-weather connectivity to Leh.
Currently, the region relies on two main access routes to Leh: the Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil-Leh axis and the Manali-Atal Tunnel-Sarchu-Leh axis.
The Shinkun La tunnel will provide a crucial new link, further integrating and developing the area.
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