Vital link between Lahaul and Zanskar restored, Shinkula pass reopens after over three months

Himachalscape bureau Published: April 9, 2025 | Updated: April 9, 2025 2 minutes read

Photo source: Internet

Shimla, Apr 9,
After more than three and a half months of closure due to heavy snowfall, the 16,580-feet-high Shinkula Pass has been reopened for vehicular traffic by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), re-establishing vital connectivity between Lahaul and the remote Zanskar Valley.

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The reopening, carried out under the BRO’s Yojya Project, marks a significant achievement. Teams from the 126 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 13 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) worked tirelessly in sub-zero temperatures, braving minus 30 to 35 degrees Celsius to clear 25 to 40 feet of snow and make the route motorable again.

With the pass now operational, a direct road link from Manali to Leh via Padum and Nimmu has been re-established. This development has brought much-needed relief to over 20,000 residents of the Zanskar Valley and is expected to provide a boost to tourism and trade in the region.

On the first day of reopening, 27 vehicles from Manali departed for Zanskar, while around 40 vehicles traveled from Lahaul to Zanskar, indicating a swift resumption of movement across the pass. Vehicles from Zanskar to Lahaul also began operations.

A small ceremony marked the reopening, with Chief Engineer Rajesh Rai flagging off the vehicles. Also present were Colonel Y.S. Tomar, Deputy Director of the 14 Corps, Major Utkarsh Shukla, Captain Surya, and Company In-charge Manjinder Singh of GREF.

“This pass is a lifeline for Zanskar Valley,” said Rajesh Rai. “Its reopening means people can now move freely to Lahaul and other parts of the country.” He also confirmed that road restoration work toward Leh is progressing rapidly.

Shinkula Pass holds strategic importance as it serves as the third alternative route between Manali and Leh, and plans are underway to construct an all-weather tunnel at this location to ensure year-round accessibility.

Until the route is fully operational for two-way traffic, authorities have decided to allow one-way vehicular movement. DSP Raj Kumar has advised travelers to cross the pass between 7 AM and 11 AM for safety. Darcha Checkpost In-Charge confirmed that all vehicles departing from Manali reached Zanskar safely.

The decision to open the route for tourist movement now lies with the Lahaul and Ladakh district administrations. Nonetheless, the reopening of Shinkula Pass has rekindled hope among the people of Zanskar, ending their months-long isolation and restoring the promise of mobility, commerce, and community in this remote Himalayan region.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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