The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built the world’s highest motorable road at the Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh at a height of 19,300 feet. The Defence Ministry said with this, India has broken Bolivia’s record of a road near volcano Uturuncu at 18,953 ft.
The 52-km long road through Umlingla Pass connects important towns in Chumar sector of Eastern Ladakh. A boon for the local population, the road offers an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh.
But building a road at this height wasn't an easy task. Harsh weather conditions during winters in Ladakh bring temperatures down to -40 degree celsius and at this altitude, oxygen levels are 50 per cent less than at normal places.
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The govt said, the BRO has achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain.