Project Himank: Leh-Manali national highway reopened till Sarchu

The 57 day operation, led by 111 Road Construction Company (RCC) under 753 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), involved snow clearance and widening of the national highway to double lane standards across some of the most difficult stretches of the axis

The snow clearance team of Project Himank on Tuesday successfully completed the snow clearance operations restoring connectivity on strategic on National Highway-03 (NH-03, Leh-Manali axis) up to Sarchu, said officials.

Heavy snow cutting machinery was deployed in a synchronised manner. (File)

“The successful snow clearance operations have restored the strategic and civilian connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country, “ said a defence spokesperson.

The 57 day operation, led by 111 Road Construction Company (RCC) under 753 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), involved snow clearance and widening of the national highway to double lane standards across some of the most difficult stretches of the axis, including the high altitude passes of Tanglang La (17,482 feet), Lachung La (16,616 feet) and Nakee La (15,457 feet), along with the treacherous Gata Loops (22 hair pin bends).

During the snow clearance operations, the teams encountered massive snow accumulations, sub-zero temperatures, avalanche prone zones, blizzards and snow slides.

Heavy snow cutting machinery was deployed in a synchronised manner. “The widening of the road to double lane configuration will significantly improve traffic movement, logistical sustainment and safety for both civilian commuters and defence convoys moving along this vital strategic route,” said the spokesperson.