World Record by BRO for Chisumle to Demchok Tarmac Road

In News

• BRO feat recognised by Guinness World Records for constructing and black topping the world’s highest motorable road at 19,024 feet at Umlingla Pass in Ladakh.

About

• The 52-kilometre long Chisumle to Demchok tarmac road passes through the 19,024 feet high Umlingla Pass and betters the previous record of a road in Bolivia, which connects volcano Uturuncu at 18,953 feet. 
• The Umlingla Pass road is another landmark in resurgent India’s achievement. It has been constructed at an altitude higher than the North and South Base Camps of Mount Everest which are at an altitude of 16,900 feet and 17,598 feet respectively.
• The BRO provided a black topped road to the important village of Demchok in Eastern Ladakh that will be a boon to the local population of the region as it will enhance the socio-economic conditions and promote tourism in Ladakh. 
• Demchok village: is the last inhabited area along the Zero line on the border with China.
  • In the absence of the proper road connection, a battalion of the security forces has been posted too far from the lAC, leaving them vulnerable to the attack from the neighbouring country.
• Challenges in the construction: The construction tested both the human spirit and efficacy of machines in an extremely tough terrain where temperatures in winters dip to -40 degrees and oxygen levels are 50% below normal.
  • The area has seen repeated incursions by China since 2013.
• Other friction points: Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) in Hot Springs, and PP17A near Gogra Post and the other two friction points were PP14 in Galwan Valley and the north bank of Pangong Tso.

Significance

• Enhance the socio-economic conditions and promote tourism: The BRO provided a blacktopped road to the important village of Demchok in Eastern Ladakh that will be a boon to the local population of the region as it will enhance the socio-economic conditions and promote tourism in Ladakh.
• The strategically important road: which is approximately 15 kilometres long, highlights the focus of the Government in developing road infrastructure in border areas.
• Higher altitude: The road has been constructed at an altitude higher than the Mt Everest Base Camps as the South Base Camp in Nepal is at an altitude of 17,598 ft, while North Base Camp in Tibet is at 16,900 ft.
  • The road has been constructed much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier which is at 17,700 ft. The Khardung La Pass in Leh is at an altitude of 17,582 ft.

Source: AIR