The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated efforts to reopen the vital Leh-Manali national highway in Ladakh union territory after months of closure due to heavy snowfall. According to officials on Thursday, Project Himank launched snow clearance operations to restore access to the Ladakh region from the Manali side.
Defence spokesperson highlighted that a team of engineers from the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) has been deployed for snow clearing, equipped with advanced tools. Negotiating extreme cold, gusty winds and sub-zero temperatures at altitudes surpassing 17,000 feet poses significant challenges to the task. Despite the harsh conditions, the BRO team is working to reopen the highway and restore this crucial link to Ladakh.
The 427-km long highway is vital for connecting Ladakh to the rest of India through Manali in Himachal Pradesh. It serves as a lifeline for military operations and supplies to remote areas in Ladakh. Winter poses severe challenges, with heavy snowfall and avalanches leading to frequent road closures. Efforts by BRO are essential to ensure timely restoration and connectivity for the region.