On July 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ladakh to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. During his visit, he will pay tribute at the Kargil War Memorial and virtually initiate the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel project.
The Shinkun La Tunnel, which will be 4.1 kilometers long and located at an altitude of 15,800 feet on the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road, will be the tallest in the world upon completion. It will feature a Twin-Tube double-lane design with cross passages every 500 meters and will include advanced systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), mechanical ventilation, fire fighting, and communication systems.
The tunnel is expected to significantly enhance the movement of armed forces and equipment, while also promoting economic and social development in Ladakh. It will provide a crucial connection between the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh.
Currently, there are two main routes to Leh: the Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil-Leh and the Manali-Atal Tunnel-Sarchu-Leh, both of which are prone to snow blockages for several months each year. The completion of the Atal Tunnel has made the Manali to Darcha route accessible year-round, improving connectivity.
