After throwing open the strategically important Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road in the first week of March 2021, the 'unsung' heroes of the Border roads organisation (BRO) have started working on the Manali-Leh axis to provide alternate road connectivity to the Army formations camping in the Ladakh sector.

According to the Director General of Border Roads Organisation the opening of Leh-Manali axis depends on the quantum of snowfall every year and weather conditions.  He said, last year the road was opened on 18 May 2020 which is one month earlier than previous years. This year we are all prepared to open the road axis earlier than previous year".

According to DGBR presently three projects, Beacon, Vijayak and Himank are involved in Snow Clearing Operations in UT J&K and Ladakh. Almost 1550 Km of road stretches are snow cleared by these projects during winters to keep the roads open. All these efforts go into Winter Snow Clearance to ensure all weather connectivity to forward locations along the border and strategically important places. 

Remembering the sacrifices of the foot soldiers who were working in the hostile weather conditions DGBR said, "last year, more than 200 BRO warriors were martyred while executing extremely dangerous tasks in very arduous and inhospitable terrain conditions. These sacrifices will not go in vain and we will continue to forge paths for our nation and pursue our Motto “We will Either Find a Way or Make One” more vigorously and rise to the occasion more than anybody’s expectation for a national cause and to achieve national objectives". 

Referring to the strategic projects in the pipeline DGBR said,in the coming year number of Roads and Bridges will be completed along the Indo-China Border roads namely bridges on DS-DBO Road, Phobrang-Marsimikla-Hot Spring Road, Chisumle-Demochok Road, Tangste-Horang-Chusul Road and some of the important Bridges that will be completed are Sonamarg Bye Pass Bridge on Srinagar- Sonamarg – Gumri Road, Amiranagar Bridge on Puldoda- Bhaderwah Road and two bridges on Srinagar – Baramulla – Uri – Kaman Post Road.

The bridges on national highway Zojila-Kargil-Leh axis have been upgraded to the highest road classification, where six major bridges besides numerous other minor bridges and culverts are likely to be completed in the current year, these are bridges on Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, Khaltsi-Batalik road, Zojila-Kargil-Leh road and Khalsar-Sasoma road.

 In response to a specific question whether ongoing projects were affected due to prolonged standoff between India and China DGBR said at no time, BRO work was affected by the situation at our Northern Borders. "We have focused more and have put in additional efforts in terms of manpower and resources for development and execution of works in these areas inspite of COVID situation. At no location, the work was stopped by BRO in Eastern Ladakh due to standoff with our adversaries. The work is going on at full swing at all the locations in Eastern Ladakh and we have achieved our planned construction and will intend to do so in coming months".

Sharing progress of the ongoing works on Manali-Le axis, DGBR in a written reply to the list of questions  said, "the road passes through few of the highest passes in the world. Logistics are already in place, we have pre-positioned our resources in mothballed states to open multiple attack points for snow clearance operations".

"The Karm Yogis of BRO had twice attempted to reach the mothballed equipment but had to return due to avalanches. On their third attempt, they reached the location on 14 Mar 2021 by walking over 15 to 20 feet of snow for 20 Km over two days in extreme weather conditions and hazards. They even took a night halt in the open in sub-zero temperatures. I salute their grit and determination", DGBR said.

Referring to the snow clearing operation conducted along the Srinagar – Sonamarg – Gumri Road, DGBR said it is an important road link for logistic sustenance of Army formations and Civilian population in Kargil & Leh.

"The Zozila-Kargil-Leh National Highway which connects UT of Ladakh to rest of the country is the lifeline for the population of Ladakh.  Despite facing numerous challenges, the National Highway was kept open for traffic till 31 Dec 2020, which was unprecedented. Then we cleared the snow and connected the pass on 06 Mar 2021. This was done minimum 2-3 months in advance of traditional opening dates. As such we will be opening it for civil traffic very soon. Hence, instead of being closed, for 5 to 6 months, this season pass will be open after 2.5 months only".