Indian government is planning to build 11 tunnels in the strategically important road stretches close to the Pakistan and China borders.
Indian media, quoting officials, reported that these all-weather tunnels, which will be built by the Border Road Organization (BRO), would cover about 89km and help in rapid mobilization of troops and equipments.
The officials said that at a recent review meeting about the progress of road projects implemented by BRO, the road construction wing of the Indian Army told the Indian highways ministry officials that the feasibility studies of three projects were under progress. They said that two of them – the 12km Zojila and the 6.5km Z Morh tunnels that fall in occupied Kashmir – were crucial for connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.
“These two regions often remain cut off during winter as snow covers the highway connecting the regions. The third project has been planned near Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand,” they said.
They said that the BRO was likely to undertake the feasibility study of another nine tunnels in occupied Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The officials said that BRO would take up construction of two tunnels, totalling 25.4km on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road that would improve connectivity to Tawang region throughout the year. Supply of troops in Tawang region is being met by helicopters.
Two more tunnels have been planned in Sikkim, which are located only 19.3 and 24.6 km distance from the Line of Control (LoC), they added.
Yes it is better to be prepared than be surprised!
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