Khushi Sikarwar
PM Modi shared that the Shinkun La Tunnel Project will begin, facilitating better all-season access to Leh.
On Thursday, PM Modi announced that he will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to honor the fallen heroes, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
New Delhi: 26 July 2024
The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, was constructed by the Indian Army to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The memorial is located in Dras, in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh, near the Line of Control (LoC), which connects India and Pakistan.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi called the day a significant one for every “Today, we recognize the contributions of those who protect our country, and I will be at the Kargil War Memorial to honor the bravery of our soldiers,” he explained.
He also announced that work on the Shinkun La Tunnel Project will begin, aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity to Leh, particularly during harsh winters. The project involves constructing a 4.1 km twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet along the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road.
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Once completed, the tunnel will be the world’s highest altitude tunnel. It will allow for the rapid and seamless movement of armed soldiers and defence equipment over India’s border with China, known as the Line of Actual Control. Furthermore, the project is projected to promote economic and social growth in Ladakh.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated that the sacrifices made by soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War “will not go in vain.” He stated that these sacrifices will continue to inspire and drive future generations of military, as well as the nation’s young. According to a defence ministry statement, he also extended well wishes to all ranks of the military services.
The general highlighted that the tri-services are on the brink of significant reforms across organizational, structural, conceptual, and cultural dimensions. “The major goal of these reforms is to improve combat efficiency and ensure that the armed forces are constantly battle ready. We must be willing to abandon outmoded ways and adopt new approaches.”
The design and execution of these reforms should reflect the unique characteristics and challenges of the Indian context,” the top officer noted.
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Aniket Sardhana
NI Bureau
