The new road surpasses the previous world record that was also held by BRO’s Umling La road, which stood at 5,799 m
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a statutory body under the Ministry of Defence, has once again made history by completing the construction of the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in Ladakh, reaching an altitude of 5,913 m.
In a press statement, BRO says that the new road surpasses the previous world record that was also held by BRO’s Umling La road, which stood at 5,799 m.
The organization says that the newly constructed Likaru–Mig La–Fukche road holds immense strategic importance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China on the Indo-Tibetan border. This road not only enhances connectivity for the armed forces but is also set to boost tourism and foster socio-economic development in the region by providing access to remote border villages.
“Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation has once again created history with this Guinness World Record-breaking feat. Earlier, a BRO team unfurled the tricolour at the peak of Mig La Pass to mark this significant milestone. The altitude of the new road surpasses even that of the Mount Everest base camps the south base camp in Nepal at 5,363 m and the north base camp in Tibet at 5,151 m,” says a post by the Indian Army on social media.
According to the press statement, the entire Hanle-Chumar road in Ladakh, which traverses altitudes between 4420 m and 5,243 m including the challenging Salsa La Pass, has been opened to the public. This 91-km road, also constructed under Project Himank, connects Hanle to the border village of Chumar.
“The Hanle-Chumar road will improve operational readiness and connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, while also facilitating local connectivity and tourism by linking attractions such as the Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake, and extending to Tso Moriri,” says Major General Pankaj Malhotra Additional Director General Public Information, Border Roads Organisation.
“The opening of these roads is expected to invigorate the local tourism industry, provide easier access to Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites, and drive socio-economic development in the region’s remote areas,” he adds.