Baralacha-Sarchu road needs repairs

Abhinav Vashisht
Kullu, July 29

A few vehicles were stuck between the Baralacha Pass and Sarchu on the Manali-Leh national highway after they broke down recently due to the poor condition of the road.

Lahaul and Spiti SP Manav Verma said that all stranded vehicles had been brought safely to Sarchu and Darcha with the help of local units. He added that the BRO 70 RCC authorities had been asked to repair the stretch, as frequent incidents of vehicle breakdown between Baralacha and Sarchu were being reported.

A large number of vehicles carrying essential supplies to border areas take this route, which is accessible only during the summer. Many tourists, including foreigners, travel on this route during the summer to visit Leh and Ladakh. Commuters said that the poor condition of the road from Baralacha to Sarchu caused frequent vehicle breakdown. They added that the stranded vehicles then caused a heavy congestion of vehicles on the road. The road should be repaired, as it is also very important from the strategic point of view also. Improving the condition of the road would boost tourism in the region.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has the responsibility of maintaining the road, which is damaged due to snow every year. Frequent landslides in the fragile terrain and slush from various nullahs often disrupt the movement of vehicles.

The 425-km Manali-Sarchu-Leh road gained strategic important after the Kargil War in 1999. It is given priority because instead of the Jammu-Srinagar-Leh route, it was far away from the eyes of the enemy. Most of the military supplies to the border areas were transported through this road during the Kargil War.

The BRO is widening the highway. The road work that commenced in 2008 is 80 per cent complete. The BRO has constructed many permanent double-lane bridges and replaced old ones. The remaining bridges are also being constructed. The BRO claims that the task will be accomplished in the next three to four years.

Besides the Rohtang Tunnel, three more tunnels are proposed underneath the Baralachala (4,883 m), Lachalungla (5,065 m) and the Tanglangla (5,328 m) on this road to make it motorable for all seasons. Once these tunnels are completed, the distance to Leh will be reduced considerably, saving a lot of travel time.