Rohtang Pass Opened Before Schedule
The Border Road Organisation has successfully opened the Rohtang Pass after clearing the snow before schedule. The efforts were taken after the Himachal Pradesh government had requested it, given the lockdown in effect.
Manali- Leh Axis
Ladakh can be accessed via 2 routes: Srinagar- Leh road over the Zoji La Pass and the Manali- Leh road over the Rohtang Pass. The Manali- Leh route is important as major troop movement for deployment at Siachen and the LoC is through this stretch. There are 3 important passes in this axis:
- Rohtang Pass
- Baralacha La
- Tanglang La
Rohtang Pass
The pass remains covered in snow for 6 to 7 months every year. This blocks the route for a large part of the year- cutting off a vital lifeline along the eastern border for the army as well as the people in the region. It is the only connection between the tribal population of Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country. Hence the BRO is involved in clearing up the route after every winter.
Atal Tunnel
The BRO is constructing the tunnel in the Eastern Pir Panjal Range on the Manali- Leh Highway- under the Rohtang Pass. The Atal Tunnel (named after the former Prime Minister) is to provide year round connectivity to the Ladakh region.
