In recent news, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully managed to open the Rohtang Pass three weeks prior to its scheduled opening. The decision was made in light of the ongoing lockdown due to Covid-19, with the aim of enabling the transportation of crucial supplies and relief materials to Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Significance of the Rohtang Pass
Positioned at an altitude of 13,058 feet on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, the Rohtang Pass plays a key role in connectivity within the region. The pass forms a critical link between Leh and Manali. Besides, it is the solitary mode of transportation connecting the tribal inhabitants of the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh to the rest of India.
In addition, the Pass is a strategic lifeline for army troops stationed on the eastern frontiers in the Ladakh region. However, accessibility to the pass is hindered for nearly six months from mid-November to mid-May due to heavy snowfall. Throughout these winters, the Lahaul and Spiti districts become completely isolated prompting reliance on air traffic for logistical and supply needs.
Enter, the Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass
A major development under work is the Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang Pass. Stretching 8.8 kilometres, it is pegged as the world’s longest tunnel above an altitude of 3,000 metres. The completion of this ambitious project would drastically reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres. Besides shortening the distance, it will also result in substantial savings in transportation costs.
The tunnel promises to provide unfaltering all-weather connectivity to the remote border areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. This is a significant development, considering these regions experience total isolation from the rest of India for about six months during winters due to the snow-bound Rohtang Pass.
Role of Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Established in 1960 by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, BRO was primarily conceived to accelerate the development of roads network in the North and North Eastern border regions of India. The organization operates under the administration of the Ministry of Defence.
Over the years, BRO has expanded its scope of work beyond building roads. It now undertakes an array of construction and development projects including the construction of airfields, buildings, defence installations, tunnels, etc. Simultaneously, it continues to remain endeared to the citizens for its contribution towards infrastructural development.
The Source
This fact-oriented article has been assembled from information sourced from The Hindu Newspaper.
