New Delhi: The Indian Army’s strategic capabilities in Eastern Ladakh have received a major boost with the inauguration of the 900-meter-long Shyok Tunnel by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The tunnel forms a crucial part of the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldi (DS-DBO) road, which is the main artery to India’s most sensitive northern border sectors. Alongside the tunnel, the Defence Minister also dedicated 125 strategic infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation to the nation.
Enhancing Operational Readiness
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh recalled Operation Sindur, carried out after the Pahalgam attacks, highlighting the precise and measured response of the Indian Armed Forces. He emphasized that strong connectivity and logistics were key to the operation’s historic success, allowing timely supply and reinforcement to the frontline units.
The Shyok Tunnel addresses a long-standing vulnerability. The DS-DBO route, running along the Shyok River, frequently faces disruptions due to rain, snow, and landslides. With the tunnel in place, the road will remain accessible year-round, ensuring uninterrupted supply lines to forward posts.
Boosting Rapid Mobilization
The tunnel will significantly improve the Indian Army’s mobility in Eastern Ladakh, especially in strategically sensitive areas such as Depsang, Daulat Beg Oldi, the Karakoram Pass, and the Galwan Valley. It mitigates risks posed by the Shyok River’s fast currents and potential landslides on the existing road. As a result, troops and military equipment can be deployed swiftly, reducing response time during emergencies.
Strategic Advantage Against China and Pakistan
One of the tunnel’s key benefits is reducing dependence on aerial supply to the DBO airstrip and adjoining areas. Air routes are often disrupted during extreme weather, but the Shyok Tunnel provides a reliable ground alternative, ensuring robust logistical support. Located near the convergence point of China and Pakistan, the tunnel enhances India’s presence and strategic posture, making the region more secure and India’s defensive and operational capabilities more formidable.
In essence, the Shyok Tunnel is not just an infrastructure project—it is a critical enabler of India’s northern defense readiness, ensuring the army can operate effectively in any weather and challenging terrain.
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