Srinagar: The Union Cabinet Committee headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the strategically vital Shinkun La Tunnel that would ensure all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for the construction of the 4.1-km tunnel on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
Providing details of the cabinet decision, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the tunnel would be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1681 crore.
An approach would also be built by December 2025.
“The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the Shinku La Tunnel for the Ladakh area which will provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region with the entire country,” the minister said.
“This (project) is also very important as far as the security and safety of the country is concerned. It will also help in the movement of our security forces in that region,” Thakur said.
Chairman and CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson has extended gratitude to the Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
“Ladakh has added another feather to its cap as the construction of Shinku La Tunnel will lead to ease up the grievances of the stranded passengers especially during winter and will also provide additional employment opportunities. My gratitude to PM Modi for approving the construction of the tunnel and I also thank MP Ladakh for his contribution,” Gyalson said.