NEW DELHI: The Centre has approved a plan to construct a tunnel through Kela Pass in Ladakh, which connects Leh to Pangong Lake, as well as the upgradation of the Nurbo-Sumdo-Kiato road in Himachal Pradesh. The road transport ministry will take up the projects under a separate budget heading for ‘Strategic Road Projects.’
These two projects will enable both civilians and defence forces to travel from Leh to Pangong Lake with ease throughout the year, sources said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will prepare the detailed project reports (DPR) for these crucial works so that these can be expedited. “With this, there is clarity on the funding. The UT administration of Ladakh had proposed the central govt to fund the Kela tunnel project,” said a source.
Sources said the tunnel would be 7-8 km long and will have twin tubes and is likely to cost around Rs 6,000 crore. TOI on Nov 17, 2024 had first reported about govt’s plan to build the strategic project, which will substantially reduce travel time from Leh to Pangong.
Kela pass is a high mountain pass in the Changthang region of Leh in Ladakh and is the highest motorable pass of the country, connecting Leh with Pangong Lake. Kela pass is located at an altitude of 18,600 ft from mean sea level.
According to govt records, the mountainous pass is the gateway to Kela tso (Kela lake) or Lchagri Gyamtso Lake and further to Tharuk, Sarkunchar and Tangste village, and Pangong Lake.
Aiming to improve connectivity for tourism, economic activities and smooth movement of defence forces, the Ladakh administration in 2022 had first highlighted the need to build new tunnels at four major passes at Khardung La, Fotu La, Namika La and Kela.