Over 20 strategic roads close to LAC have year-end deadline
The focus is on building new alternative and lateral connectivity to the strategic Sub Sector North (SSN) besides considerable realignment works around the Durbuk-Shyok- Daulat Beg Oldie road segment, ET gathers. Most of these proposed single-lane roads will traverse into the Changthang cold desert sanctuary and require green clearances.
In fact, several of them have recently received green clearances at the state level and are now queuing up for final wildlife and forest clearance approvals with the Union environment ministry, it is learnt. In some of the cases, bids have also been invited.
Alongside, the National Highways Authority of India is seeking to widen the 234 km Zanskar to Kargil highway from single lane to a double lane to allow stronger alternative access to armed forces between Leh and Manali. India has been ramping up strategic and communication infrastructure on the Indo-China border to match the Chinese side, especially after the 2020 Galwan clash.
Among the Priority I-new alignments planned by the armed forces are the 62 km long Chumathang-Chushul road, 32 km linking Lukung-Chartse, Hanle-Zursar-Imis La spanning 83 km, Changchemno-Tsogtsalu along 55 km and Sumdo-Nidder-Rhongo road along 64 km in Ladakh. Alongside, road alignments linking Mahe-Chushul, Sasoma-Saser La, Koyul-Chismule-Zursar, mostly on-going constructions, have also been brought back on the top priority project list for completion by December.
The linkages are aimed at bolstering border defence and facilitating movement of ammunition and personnel from the Leh-Kargil axis to the SSN running parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). For instance, the Sasoma-Saser La is a crucial link road between the existing Leh-Sasoma segment and
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