The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) achieved a significant milestone by connecting the strategically important all-weather 298-km long road from Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil–Leh Highway.
Importance of Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road
The BRO emphasized that the completion of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road is not merely about infrastructure development but also about bridging aspirations and opportunities, empowering communities, and fostering a better future for the residents of Zanskar Valley.
Strategic Significance
The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road now serves as the third axis connecting Ladakh to the hinterland, alongside the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes. Its strategic importance lies in its shorter distance compared to the other routes and its traversal of only one pass, Shinkun La (16,558 feet), where tunnel construction is set to begin.
BRO’s Efforts
BRO Director General Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan highlighted the strategic advantage gained by utilizing the frozen River Zanskar in January to transport equipment and personnel, facilitating the establishment of additional attack points and accelerating the pace of work. The completion of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road marks a significant achievement, with plans underway to commence blacktopping and the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel.
Impact on Defence and Economic Development
The all-weather connectivity to Ladakh enhances defence preparedness along the Northern Borders and stimulates economic development in the Zanskar valley.
Dedication of BRO Personnel
Despite the nation celebrating Holi, BRO personnel demonstrated relentless dedication by tirelessly cutting through vertical rock faces to connect the final stretch of the Niraq gorge in sub-zero temperatures.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What milestone did the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) achieve?
- A) Completion of a railway line
- B) Connection of a strategically important road from Manali to Leh
- C) Establishment of an airbase in Ladakh
- D) Opening of a maritime route to Ladakh
- Answer: B) Connection of a strategically important road from Manali to Leh
- What is emphasized as the significance of completing the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road?
- A) Infrastructure development only
- B) Bridging aspirations and opportunities
- C) Enhancing tourist attractions
- D) Promoting agricultural practices
- Answer: B) Bridging aspirations and opportunities
- Which pass does the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road cross?
- A) Rohtang Pass
- B) Zojila Pass
- C) Shinkun La
- D) Nathu La
- Answer: C) Shinkun La
- How did the BRO utilize the frozen River Zanskar?
- A) For recreational activities
- B) To establish additional attack points
- C) For fishing purposes
- D) To create an ice bridge for tourists
- Answer: B) To establish additional attack points
- What impact does the completion of the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road have on defence preparedness?
- A) No impact
- B) Decreased preparedness
- C) Increased preparedness
- D) Indirect impact on tourism
- Answer: C) Increased preparedness