3 tunnels will be built on China border

• 04 Aug 2023

Why in News?

On August 2, 2023, Uttarakhand Public Works Secretary Pankaj Pandey informed that the State Government has sent a proposal to the Central Government to link the two ITBP posts in two different valleys along the Indo-China border and to provide smooth transport to the people of the border areas.

Key Points:

• With this, the distance between Jolingkang in Pithoragarh and Lapthal in Chamoli will be reduced from 490 km to 42 km. For this, 3 tunnels of about 57 km and 20 km of road are proposed to be made. Now a decision has to be taken by the Central Government on this project of strategic importance.
• At present there is no such direct route in the India-China border, which directly connects ITBP post Jolingkang in Pithoragarh to ITBP post in Lapthal in Chamoli. The distance of 490 km can be reduced by constructing three tunnels of 57 km each at these two strategically important posts.
• It is also important from the point of view of people living in border areas, the army, SSB & ITBP and tourism.
• In its proposal sent to the Centre by the state government, the project has been described as important for the economic development of the state, promotion of tourism and to prevent migration along with maintaining human activities in the border areas.
• The 1st tunnel will be of five km:
  • The journey from Jaulingkang (Beas Valley) to Beadag (Darma Valley) in the Pithoragarh district is covered via the Shimla Pass, which is covered with snow almost throughout the year. It is very difficult to construct a road at this place.
  • The five-km tunnel between Jaulingkang will connect the route from Tawaghat to Bedang built by BRO and CPWD with a 20-km road from Vedang to Go and Sipu. It will reduce the distance between Jaulingkang and Bedang by 161 km.
• The 2nd tunnel will be 22 km long: It is also difficult to construct a motorway from Sipu to Tola, which is covered with snow throughout the year. With the construction of a tunnel of about 22 km in length between Sipu to Tola, Darma Valley and Johar Valley will be connected to each other.
• The 3rd tunnel will be 30 km long: The walkway from Milam in Pithoragarh to Lapthal in Chamoli is also covered with snow throughout the year. It is difficult to construct a road in this part also. With the construction of the 30 km tunnel from Milam to Lapthal, Johar Valley of Pithoragarh and Lapthal of Chamoli will be connected by road.