Context: Recently, NHIDCL expedites detailed project report (DPR) work on the world’s longest high-altitude Shinkun La Tunnel.

About Shinkun La Tunnel

• On completion of this tunnel, the Manali – Kargil highway will remain open throughout the year.
• The 13.5 km long tunnel under the Shingo La pass will enable all-weather road connectivity between Manali and Nimu via Shingo La and Padum.
• The tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in Zanskar valley.
• With the construction of the tunnel, inhabitants of around 15-odd villages of Zanskar Valley in Jammu and Kashmir will be relieved since the valley remains cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winter.

Shingo La

• Shingo-la (also known as Shinku La) is a mountain pass in India, on the border between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
• This pass may be considered as an entry point to Lugnak Valley in Zanskar.