The Union cabinet gave approval to the Shinku La tunnel construction project on Wednesday. The project has been undertaken for better connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh during bad weather.

The approval for the tunnel, Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link, touted to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh, has been given the approval at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Union minister Anurag Thakur said, “The Shinku La tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of 1,681 crore. It will provide all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh and this will be the shortest route to the border areas of the Union territory.”

“This (project) is also very important as far as the security and safety of the country is concerned… It will also help in the movement of our security forces in that region,” Thakur added.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will construct the world’s highest tunnel at 16,580 feet.

“The tunnel under Shinku La on the Manali-Darcha-Padam-Nimu axis will allow a continuous supply of troops, equipment, and rations to East Ladakh in winter.” tweeted Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari.