BRO Constructs World's Highest Motorable Road in Ladakh at 19,400 Feet
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has set a new world record by constructing the highest motorable road, passing over the 19,400-foot Mig La pass in eastern Ladakh. The newly built Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road surpasses the BRO's own previous record at Umling La (19,024 ft). This engineering feat holds immense strategic importance as it provides a vital third axis to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and is also expected to boost adventure tourism in the region.
Unpacked:
A third axis provides the Indian military with additional routes for rapid troop deployment, logistics, and supply chain resilience in eastern Ladakh, an area of ongoing India-China tensions. Enhanced access to sensitive border areas like Fukche improves operational flexibility and national security preparedness.
Extremely low temperatures, thin air, unpredictable weather, permafrost, and rugged terrain make construction hazardous. Workers face altitude sickness, machinery malfunctions, and logistical difficulties delivering materials. The BRO overcomes these with specialized equipment, acclimatized crews, and round-the-clock efforts.
The road improves year-round connectivity for isolated villages, facilitates emergency services, and supports tourism, which can boost local economies. Increased access also helps with delivery of goods and government services, raising the standard of living in remote Ladakh areas.
The BRO is a government agency under India’s Ministry of Defence responsible for building and maintaining roads, bridges, and airfields in border and remote areas. It holds multiple world records and has completed over 60,000 km of roads, including the Atal Tunnel and the previous highest road at Umling La.