The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun snow removal operations on the Leh-Schumanali Road (NH-03). National Highway-03 remains closed for approximately four to five months each year due to heavy snowfall, severely impacting connectivity. A snow clearance operation has been initiated to address this issue. This operation will reopen the vital road connecting Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh.
This operation, undertaken under BRO’s Project HIMANK, is being carried out under extremely challenging conditions. This approximately 251.5-kilometre-long road remains closed for four to five months each year due to heavy snowfall. This project works to construct and maintain roads in high-altitude, difficult terrain such as Ladakh. Teams have also braved harsh weather and challenging conditions to clear the road as quickly as possible.
Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people are affected.
This 251.5-kilometre route from Leh to Sarchu includes three major high-altitude passes. These include Tanglang La, Lachung La, and Naki La, all of which are over 15,000 feet high. Heavy snow accumulates in these areas during winter, completely blocking the road. This road is a lifeline for many remote villages and camps located near the border. Approximately 9 villages, including Sarchu, are dependent on this route, where approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people live. The road closure disrupts the supply of essential goods and services to these areas.
A Road Also Critical for the Army
This road is also crucial for the Indian Army. It plays a vital role in delivering logistics, equipment, and essential supplies to troops deployed in Ladakh. Road closures disrupt the army’s supply lines, making it crucial to reopen them promptly. This operation is being carried out by the BRO’s 111 Road Construction Company, which operates under the 753 Border Roads Task Force. The teams are equipped with heavy snow-cutting machines and experienced operators. These teams are working day and night tirelessly to clear the road as quickly as possible. The BRO is fully committed to completing this mission on time.
