Photu La Tunnel Project: Enhancing
All-Weather Connectivity and Strategic Mobility in Ladakh
¨
The Photu La Tunnel
Project on National Highway-01 in Ladakh has been approved at an estimated cost
of ₹1,196.22 crore.
¨
The project has a total
length of 2.65 km.
¨
It includes a 1.96
km-long twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 km of approach roads.
¨
Photu La Pass is situated
at an altitude of about 4,108 metres.
¨
It is the highest point
on the Uri–Srinagar–Leh highway corridor.
¨
National Highway-01 is a
vital road link for civilian movement, essential supplies, and defence
logistics in Ladakh.
¨
The project comprises a
directional twin-tube tunnel at Photu La along with approach roads on both
sides.
¨
The twin-tube tunnel will
have two separate tubes for traffic movement.
¨
Directional traffic flow
will improve operational control and road safety.
¨
The existing road at
Photu La faces challenges such as steep gradients and sharp curves.
¨
Heavy snowfall and icy
conditions often lead to road closures during winter.
¨ High-altitude roads in Ladakh frequently experience weather-related disruptions due to low temperatures, snow accumulation, and difficult terrain.
¨ The tunnel is expected to provide all-weather connectivity, safer travel, and enhanced strategic transportation capability.
