Built under 'Project Himank', the strategic road which passes through the Umling La Top and connects Chisumle and Demchok villages, is close to the Line of Actual Control.
At 19,300 ft in eastern Ladakh's Umlingla Pass, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed and black-topped the highest motorable road in the world. This road will enhance the socio-economic condition and promote tourism in the region. It is constructed much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier (at 17,700 ft) and the Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft) in Leh.
This road connects important towns in the Chumar sector of eastern Ladakh. Built under 'Project Himank', the strategic road which passes through the Umling La Top and connects Chisumle and Demchok villages, is close to the Line of Actual Control. The BRO has surpassed Bolivia's record of the world's highest motorable road at 18,953 ft.
The defence ministry said that the road will be a boon for the local population and provides an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh.
It further added: "It is extremely difficult to go ahead with infrastructure development in such harsh and tough terrain. During winter, the temperature dips to minus 40 degrees and the oxygen level at this altitude is almost 50 per cent less than normal. The BRO has achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel. They have worked in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions."
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