A trial to conduct an aerial survey for the proposed Shinku La tunnel was done using a Chinook helicopter from the Stingri helipad
near Keylong in Lahaul & Spiti district . The survey will be carried out jointly by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a company of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the
Indian Air Force.

• Consultant engineers of Gujarat and three experts from Denmark assembled a huge frame-structured antenna in two days. The antenna was tied to the helicopter and its calibration was done.
• The recce of the region was done. Under the survey, mechanical and geological scientists would study about the 600-metre stretch of the Zanskar range.
• A tunnel is proposed on the 16,600-foot high Shinku La to provide an alternative ManaliDarcha-Shinku La-PadumKargil-Leh route.
• With the opening of Atal Tunnel, the government has accelerated the pace of work of an alternative route to the border areas, especially after the recent face-off with China in the Galwan valley.
• A detailed project report for the Shinku La project is being prepared and tenders will be floated soon.
• The Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway is accessible only during summers for around six months as it remains closed in winter due to heavy snow.
• Three tunnels are also proposed underneath the Baralacha Pass (16,040 feet), Lachung La (16,800 feet) and Tanglang La (17,480 feet) for all-weather connectivity to Leh.
• However, making onlyone tunnel underneath the Shinku La will provide an alternative route to Leh with all-weather connectivity.