Cabinet nod to Shinku La Tunnel

• The Union Cabinet gave its nod for the construction of the 4.1-km Shinku La tunnel on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
• The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of ₹ 1,681 crore.
• The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km. An approach will also be built by December 2025.
• The tunnel will help to boost the Zanskar valley economy. It will reduce the travel time between HP and Ladakh.
• The Shink La Tunnel is to make the Zanskar valley accessible 365 days.

About Shinku La

• The Shinku La or Shingo La is a mountain pass located on the border between HP and Ladakh. It is at an altitude of 5,091 metres.
• Border Road Organization built a road to the pass in 2016 . However, the road couldn’t be accessed during winter and large-wheeled vehicles couldn’t pass through.
• With the Atal Tunnel and the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel in 2025, the Nimmu – Padum – Darcha road shall be accessed all through the year.

Project Yojak

• The Shinku La tunnel is a part of Project Yojak. This project is implemented by Border Roads Organisation (under Ministry of Defence).
• The main objective of the project is to make sure Manali – Leh route is accessible all through the year.