Border Roads Organization (BRO) has set a new world record by building a motorable road at an altitude of more than 19,300 feet near the Umlingla Pass in eastern Ladakh. This 52-km-long road passing through the Umlingala Pass has been made of coal tar and has broken the record for the highest road in Bolivia.
This road construction agency has achieved this feat earlier this week. BRO has expertise in building roads in the most inaccessible areas along the northern borders of India. By constructing this road, BRO has set a record in the construction of high-altitude roads.
The world’s highest road on which motor vehicles can be driven is now located at an altitude of 19,300 feet at the Umling La pass in eastern Ladakh. Through this high mountain pass, the BRO has made a 52 km long paved road. The Umling La Pass road now connects the important cities of Chumar Sector of Eastern Ladakh.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Defense on 04 August 2021 said that it will prove to be a boon for the local population as it has become an alternate direct route connecting Leh to Chisumle and Demchok. This will improve the socio-economic condition and promote tourism in Ladakh.
𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽
..And we reached the last milestone over the Mighty Umling La Pass by constructing the World's Highest motorable road.
The National Flag unfurls with Pride and Elan, telling the world – 🇮🇳 सारे जहां से अच्छा हिंदोस्तान हमारा 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/OQyNFmUo3S
— 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (@BROindia) August 2, 2021
Umling La Pass will be more challenging for drivers than the famous Khardung La Pass. According to the Ministry of Defense, the temperature of this pass can drop to minus 40 degree Celsius in the severe winter season. Also, the oxygen level at this altitude is about 50 percent lower than at normal locations. This makes it very difficult for anyone to stay here for a long time.
Union Defence Ministry Reviewing Proposal On Appoint Of Commander-In-Chiefs of Indian Armed Forces Wings
This road has been constructed at a higher place than the base camps of Mount Everest. Mount Everest’s South Base Camp in Nepal is at 17,598 feet while the North Base Camp in Tibet is at an altitude of 16,900 feet. Apart from this, the height at which this road has been built is much higher than the Siachen Glacier. The height of the Siachen Glacier is 17,700 feet. Khardung La pass in Leh is also at an altitude of 17,582 feet below the construction site of this road.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) deals with the construction and management of roadways in the border areas of India. Due to the hilly terrain in the border areas, the roads keep breaking due to landslides and falling rocks. The organization has to work throughout the year to keep them running smoothly.
