Masterstroke by Modi govt as India fast-tracks construction of new road along LAC that will make China 'blind' to Indian troops due to...
The 130-km-long new route, via Sasoma-Saser La-Saser Brangsa-Gapshan-DBO, will be a secure and faster alternative to the existing Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road, which is vulnerable to Chinese surveillance, reports India Today.
It further says that the travel time will be down from 2 days to 12 hours as the new road, being built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), will reduce the distance from Leh to DBO by 79 km, reducing the commuting time drastically. How will it help Indian troops?
This will not only allow India to mobilise troops without being exposed to Chinese observation, but will smoothen logistics movement in the critical border area.
The world's highest airstrip at 16,614 feet is located at Daulat Beg Oldie. It holds immense strategic value due to its proximity to the Karakoram Pass and the contentious Depsang region. BRO upgrades bridges
Defence sources said the BRO has upgraded nine bridges on the new route from 40-tonne to 70-tonne load capacity to facilitate the movement of heavier vehicles and artillery. Trials with Bofors and other systems have already been conducted successfully.
The road originates from Sasoma in the Nubra Valley, close to the Siachen base camp. It will allow direct connectivity to DBO without needing to cross Leh. BRO's 'Project Vijayak' is undertaking the construction from Sasoma to Saser Brangsa, while 'Project Himank' is looking after the project to DBO. The total estimated budget is Rs 500 crore.
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