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Khardung La has been considered as the ultimate destination for Indian bikers and adventure seekers. Riding to the height of over 18,380 feet, which is cited as the world's highest motorable road in the world, is what makes every biker dream of going there at least once in his/her lifetime.
And now, the Border Roads Organisation or BRO has constructed a new road passing through Umling La at a height of over 19,300 feet, which has become the new highest motorable road in the world. A new benchmark has been set now for the adventurous souls.
Located 230 km from Leh, the 86 km road connects Chisumle and Demchok villages close to Hanle.
The feat was achieved under 'Project Himank' of the Border Roads Organisation. The Project Himank has already constructed roads like Khardung La at an altitude of 17,900 ft and Chang La at 17,695 ft in Leh by connecting Nubra Valley and Durbuk Valley in the cold desert.
Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brigadier D M Purvimath said, "Constructing the road at the altitude of over 19,300 feet was filled with life-threatening challenges. During peak summers, the temperature hovers around minus 10-20 degrees Celsius, and in winters, it dips to minus 40 degrees. Oxygen level at the altitude is 50% less than at normal places.The efficiency of machines and manpower declines by 50% due to harsh the climate and less oxygen level. Also, machine operators have to come down every 10 minutes for oxygen.
Taking equipment at such a height, repairing and maintaining it is a major task since equipment face a lot of breakdowns. Because of this gradation, the personnel faced serious health problems like loss of memory, eyesight and high blood pressure. Such a construction does not come without a cost, but given the national and strategic importance of the road, our men and machinery worked overnight to meet the targets set out by Director-General, Border Roads."
Pardeep Raj, Commander 753 BRTF, who looks after road construction of this sector said, "the BRO personnel were acclimatised through a tedious process and lot of training before being assigned the job. Acclimatisation of men is done at three stages- Leh, Shakti and Numa- before being inducted into the sector. The physical and mental fitness of men is emphasised upon for working in the area as the working season is limited in the region."
Source: NDTV
And now, the Border Roads Organisation or BRO has constructed a new road passing through Umling La at a height of over 19,300 feet, which has become the new highest motorable road in the world. A new benchmark has been set now for the adventurous souls.
Located 230 km from Leh, the 86 km road connects Chisumle and Demchok villages close to Hanle.
The feat was achieved under 'Project Himank' of the Border Roads Organisation. The Project Himank has already constructed roads like Khardung La at an altitude of 17,900 ft and Chang La at 17,695 ft in Leh by connecting Nubra Valley and Durbuk Valley in the cold desert.
Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brigadier D M Purvimath said, "Constructing the road at the altitude of over 19,300 feet was filled with life-threatening challenges. During peak summers, the temperature hovers around minus 10-20 degrees Celsius, and in winters, it dips to minus 40 degrees. Oxygen level at the altitude is 50% less than at normal places.The efficiency of machines and manpower declines by 50% due to harsh the climate and less oxygen level. Also, machine operators have to come down every 10 minutes for oxygen.
Taking equipment at such a height, repairing and maintaining it is a major task since equipment face a lot of breakdowns. Because of this gradation, the personnel faced serious health problems like loss of memory, eyesight and high blood pressure. Such a construction does not come without a cost, but given the national and strategic importance of the road, our men and machinery worked overnight to meet the targets set out by Director-General, Border Roads."
Pardeep Raj, Commander 753 BRTF, who looks after road construction of this sector said, "the BRO personnel were acclimatised through a tedious process and lot of training before being assigned the job. Acclimatisation of men is done at three stages- Leh, Shakti and Numa- before being inducted into the sector. The physical and mental fitness of men is emphasised upon for working in the area as the working season is limited in the region."
The photo was taken while riding the Ducati Multistrada to Kibber, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is the highest motorable village in the world.
Source: NDTV
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