PM Modi Initiates Shinkun La Tunnel Project, Commemorates Kargil Heroes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Ladakh remotely. The tunnel, set to be the world's highest, aims to enhance connectivity and bolster the region's development. Concurrently, the PM paid tribute to Kargil War heroes during the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Ladakh's Kargil on Friday. This ambitious project features a 4.1-kilometre-long twin-tube tunnel set at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road, promising all-weather connectivity to Leh, according to a release from the PMO.

Once completed, the Shinkun La Tunnel will become the highest tunnel in the world. The tunnel is expected to facilitate the swift and efficient movement of armed forces and their equipment while also fostering the economic and social development of Ladakh.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, marking the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event saw the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other armed forces personnel, all paying tribute to the fallen heroes.

On Thursday, as part of the 25 Years of Kargil Vijay commemoration, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and his wife honored Kargil War Heroes, Veterans, VeerNaris, and the families of Bravehearts at the Kargil War Memorial. The event included various activities such as recollections by Kargil War Heroes, patriotic songs, a Dare Devils motorcycle show, martial art displays, the Kargil Vijay Anthem, and a National Integration dance performed by school children. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, celebrates the success of Operation Vijay, during which Indian forces reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.

(ANI)