Post standoff, 3D printed accommodation for troops in Eastern Ladakh
The Hindu
Leh to have all weather connectivity with alternate axis by 2026
As standoff began with China in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 and the Army mobilised thousands of troops to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Corps of Engineers used 3D printing to construct 22,000 temperature controlled, re-locatable habitat in the high-altitude areas, according to sources in the security establishment. On the connectivity front, forward areas of Leh will have all weather connectivity with alternate axis under construction by 2026 boosting the Army’s movement and sustenance to forward areas, a source said.
“With progress on the alternate axis we will have 365-day connectivity into Leh. It will be a big boost to our sustenance and logistics of the Army in the Ladakh sector,” one source said on November 15, 2022. “Work on 4.1 km long Shinkun La tunnel which will start shortly and the planned target is 2026 we should have the tunnel and entire axis coming through. Then it will be 365 days, the source stated.
The Corps of Engineers which will celebrate its raising day 242nd raising day on November 18 has recently undertaken major induction of technology and equipment, as a result of which, sources said, capacity of combat Engineers has gone up by 3-4 times.
Elaborating, the source said Atul tunnel provides unhindered access to Lahaul and Spiti valley and beyond that three more tunnels are required to be constructed, Baralach La, La Chung La and Tanglang La tunnels, with total distance being approximately 35kms. “This requires huge investment, time and effort.”
A road will provide alternate connectivity to Western Ladakh and the Zanskar Valley directly from the Manali axis. It is a 298 km National High Double Lane (NHDL) specification road and is 65% completed. The road also includes the 4.1 km twin tube Shinkun La tunnel for providing all weather connectivity, officials noted.
Atal tunnel inaugurated in October 2020 was designed for 3000 passenger cars per day but almost 7500 vehicles are crossing it everyday.
Work on the 255 km long strategic Darbuk-Skyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) road is complete. The 35 bridges on it are currently being upgraded to Class-70 specifications, which will allow them to handle heavy tanks and artillery. The upgradation is expected to be completed in 1-2 years, the source stated.
Delhi's air quality plummets to 'Very Poor,' with an AQI exceeding 300, prompting urgent pollution control measures.
Uttarakhand's Operation Kalnemi arrests 511 individuals, including 19 Bangladeshis, targeting illegal activities and ensuring law and order.
Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP-RSS of undermining education and institutions, advocating for knowledge-based governance over ideological control.
Atal Canteens serve over 33,000 meals in two days, providing affordable dining options across Delhi, says CMO.
Australia struggles at lunch on Day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test, with 98-6, leading England by 140 runs.
India reaffirms commitment to extradite economic fugitives Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya to face legal charges.
DGCA receives probe report on IndiGo flight disruptions, revealing operational planning failures that led to massive cancellations.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on December 27, 2025.
Chennai Corporation establishes designated feeding areas for stray dogs to reduce conflicts between animal lovers and residents.
A major fire at a plywood factory in Perumbavoor caused significant damage but no injuries reported.
Chidambaram criticizes NDA government's new Act as detrimental, claiming it undermines MGNREGA and harms rural employment opportunities.
Puducherry to deploy 1,500 police for crowd management during New Year celebrations, ensuring safety and smooth tourist access.
The ED files a final complaint in Chhattisgarh's liquor scam, naming 59 new accused and escalating the total to 81.