Why in the news?

  • The Border Road Organization is building the highest motorable road at Mig La Pass under Project Himank.

Mig La Pass

  • Location: Mig La Pass is located on the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh.
  • Connecting: Eastern Ladakh, connecting Hanle region to Fukche village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
  • Altitude: 19,400 feet (5,913 metres)- surpassing Umling La Pass (19,024 ft).
  • Executed by: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank, led by Brigadier Vishal Srivastava.
  • Agency: Ministry of Defence.
  • Significance:
    • Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s defence logistics and mobility along a sensitive LAC sector.
    • Connectivity Boost: Provides year-round road access for remote border villages such as Hanle and Fukche, ensuring smoother supply of essentials.
    • Symbol of Self-Reliance: Demonstrates India’s capability in executing extreme-altitude infrastructure through indigenous engineering and innovation.
    • Tourism Potential: Opens avenues for eco-tourism and astro-tourism in Hanle (home to India’s high-altitude observatory).
  • Project Himank (1985-present): A specialised BRO initiative for Ladakh’s high-altitude road network– includes Khardung La, Umling La, and now Mig La.
  • Border Road Organisation: Enhances border connectivity and civil-military synergy, symbolising national resilience in extreme terrain.