PM Modi set in motion the virtual commencement for the Shinkun La Tunnel in Ladakh on Friday. This is a significant headway in regional development. This tunnel, cutting across a distance of 4.1 km, is about to change the way of transportation in terms of defense equipment. In addition to adding to accelerated logistic movement, this goes a long way in boosting the economy of Ladakh.
Located at an elevation of about 15,800 feet above sea level, the Shinkun La tunnel is an important piece of the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road, which currently has no all-weather connectivity to Leh. On commissioning, it will be the highest tunnel in the world, twin-tube double lane with emergency escape passages at every 500 metres. It is completely fitted with systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, mechanical ventilation, fire-fighting, and communication, giving it the status of being a truly state-of-the-art infrastructure project.
In fact, apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel will be the lifeline of connectivity between the Lahaul Valley, further to the already available axes to Leh via the Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil-Leh and Manali-Atal Tunnel-Sarchu-Leh routes.
"The tunnel will not only bring all-round development to Ladakh but will also mark the first step… It's not mere improvement in connectivity; it is the promise of a new era of socio-economic development sprouting in the region," the prime minister added.
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