Manali, March 20 — With winter receding, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched snow clearance operations on the Manali-Leh highway, a critical link connecting Ladakh with the rest of India.
Teams under BRO’s Project Himank are working in extreme conditions to clear heavy snow accumulations along the 427-km stretch of National Highway-3. The route, vital for civilians and Defence personnel, remains closed for several months each year due to harsh weather.
“Restoring connectivity is crucial for transport and logistics, particularly for the armed forces stationed in high-altitude areas,” BRO sources said. The 753 Border Roads Task Force has deployed skilled personnel and heavy machinery to tackle snow drifts ranging from 10 to 15 feet at multiple points.
The operation faces major challenges near the 17,500-foot-high Tanglang La, where extreme snowfall and frequent avalanches obstruct progress. Other key passes, including Baralacha La, Nakee La, and Lachulung La—all above 15,000 feet—also remain inaccessible during winter.
While Rohtang Pass, the first major pass on this route, stays off-limits in winter, the Atal Tunnel provides all-weather access beyond it. The Manali-Leh highway serves as the second key link to Ladakh after the Jammu-Srinagar-Leh highway, which also remains closed during winter.
