Manali-Leh Highway Reopens After 46 Days

Swift Summary:

• Teh 428-km Manali-Leh highway has reopened after being closed for over five months due to heavy snowfall during winter.
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked for 46 days to clear snow and restore the road, particularly from Atal Tunnel’s north portal to Sarchu, Himachal’s last border point.
• Snow walls as high as 30-40 feet were cleared along several challenging high-altitude mountain passes: Taglang La (5,328m), Nakee La (4,739m), Lachung La (5,059m), and Baralacha La (4,850m).

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The reopening of the critical Manali-Leh highway signifies immense efforts by BRO in maintaining connectivity across Himalayan regions. This arterial highway is vital for civilian and military movement while supporting tourism and local economies reliant on travel within himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Clearing towering snow walls highlights the logistical difficulties involved in such operations. It underscores India’s capability in restoring infrastructure despite climate-driven challenges. Continued maintenance remains crucial given this region’s strategic importance both economically and defensively.

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