Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, May 12: The strategic 475-km-long Leh-Manali National Highway (NH-03) reopened today after remaining closed for over five months due to heavy snowfall. A ceremonial event was held at Sarchu, about 252.5 km from here on the border between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh – to mark the occasion.
Officials from the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) Project Himank and Project Deepak were present, along with representatives from both Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
On the Ladakh side, 111 RCC of Project Himank, under the supervision of Capt. Manish Ranjan, carried out snow clearance operations from Leh to Sarchu. Meanwhile, Project Deepak was responsible for the road restoration on the Himachal side. The highway had been closed since November 2024 due to winter snowfall.
The Leh-Manali highway is critical for the movement of the Armed Forces and the transportation of essential supplies to forward areas in Ladakh. BRO personnel worked tirelessly to clear snow from several high-altitude mountain passes including Tanglang La (17,480 ft), Lachung La (16,616 ft), and Nakeela (15,547 ft) on the Ladakh side, and Baralacha La (16,480 ft) on the Himachal side.
NH-03 serves as a vital lifeline for both the security forces and local residents. It also facilitates the arrival of tourists, who are crucial to the region’s economy. Given the current security scenario, the early restoration of this route is of strategic significance.
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