In a major achievement for connectivity in the high Himalayas, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Tuesday successfully restored the strategically important 427-km Manali-Leh highway after 42 days of relentless snow-clearance operations carried out under extreme weather conditions.
The road restoration work on the vital highway began on March 27 and was completed on May 12 after BRO teams battled heavy snowfall, avalanches, and sub-zero temperatures.
The reopening marks a significant milestone for both civilian movement and military logistics in the region.
BRO officials celebrated the achievement with a “Golden Handshake Ceremony” at Sarchu, the border line of Himachal Pradesh and UT Ladakh, where officers from Project Deepak and Project Himank met after successfully reconnecting the route from both ends.
Project Deepak is responsible for maintaining and restoring the stretch from Manali to Sarchu, while Project Himank handles the road from Sarchu to Leh.
Authorities said that vehicular movement on the highway will be allowed only after a joint assessment and meeting with the Lahaul-Spiti administration in the coming days.
According to BRO authorities, restoring the Baralacha Pass beyond Darcha toward Leh, located at an altitude of 16,040 feet, was an extremely challenging task.
BRO personnel worked continuously for 42 days in freezing temperatures to accomplish this mission. The weather conditions this year were particularly harsh, making operations even more difficult,” said a BRO official.
The Manali-Sarchu stretch alone has 26 avalanche-prone points, posing constant danger to the workforce engaged in snow-clearance operations. According to BRO officials, the teams had to retreat and restart work at least six times due to adverse weather and repeated snowfall.
Despite these setbacks, BRO personnel continued the operation with determination and succeeded in restoring connectivity.
BRO authorities credited the successful completion of the operation to the dedicated efforts of BRO personnel, who worked in extreme weather conditions in the region. According to BRO officials, special safety strategies were implemented while working in avalanche-prone zones to ensure the safety of workers and machinery.
BRO authorities praised all BRO jawans and officers associated with the mission for their courage, resilience, and commitment in one of the toughest terrains in the country.
The reopening of the Manali-Leh highway is expected to boost transportation, tourism, and the supply chain to the Ladakh region ahead of the summer season.
