BRO constructs the highest motorable road in the world in Eastern Ladakh

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed the highest motorable road in the world at the height of 19,300 ft at Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. It created a record in high-altitude road construction.

Context

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed the highest motorable road in the world at the height of 19,300 ft at Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. It created a record in high-altitude road construction.

Key Highlights about the road

• The road is blacktopped with bituminous material at an altitude of 19,300 ft at Umlingla Pass.
• It is a 52-km long tarmac road through Umlingla Pass.
• Aim: To enhance the socio-economic condition and to promote tourism in Ladakh.
• The road connects the important towns in the Chumar sector of Eastern Ladakh.
• It will provide an alternate direct route to connectChisumle and Demchok from Leh.
   

About Border Road Organization

• This is a road construction executive force in India.
• The BRO was formed in 1960 to secure India's borders and to develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and northeast states.
• BRO develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries. 
• In a bid to boost border connectivity, BRO was entirely brought under the Ministry of Defence in 2015.