BRO Opens 91-km Hanle-Chumar Road in Ladakh, Strengthening Defence and Tourism
In a major boost to border connectivity and infrastructure, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has inaugurated a 91-km road linking Hanle to Chumar in Ladakh. Built under Project Himank, the road traverses altitudes between 14,500 feet and 17,200 feet, cutting across the challenging Salsa La Pass.
While the route is of immense strategic value for the Armed Forces, ensuring faster mobilisation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it also promises to transform local life by enhancing connectivity for remote villages and unlocking new opportunities in tourism. The road links popular destinations such as Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri, placing them on a smoother travel circuit for both tourists and locals.
This road is part of a larger push in infrastructure following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which underscored the importance of border readiness. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently dedicated 50 major infrastructure projects to the nation, including 16 in Ladakh worth nearly ₹947.43 crore.
These include eight critical roads, such as the Tangtse-Lukung Road, Karu-Tangtse Road, and Chusul-Dungti-Demchok Road, as well as six bridges like the Kanglajal and Fukche Talza bridges.
Beyond roads and bridges, the BRO has also delivered specialised infrastructure, including an ammunition cavern at Hanle and advanced road surfacing projects at Chang La and Wari La, designed to withstand Ladakh’s extreme conditions.
The Hanle-Chumar road adds to BRO’s list of record-making feats. The organisation had earlier entered the global spotlight by constructing and blacktopping the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La, at a staggering 19,024 feet—higher than the base camps of Mount Everest.
Officials say these projects will not only enhance India’s defence preparedness but also accelerate socio-economic growth by connecting remote areas, encouraging tourism, and improving the quality of life for Ladakh’s residents.
