The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has once again etched its name in the record books, setting a new Guinness World Record by constructing the world’s highest motorable road at the challenging Mig La Pass in Eastern Ladakh, soaring to a staggering altitude of 19,400 feet.
This monumental achievement under the BRO’s Project Himank surpasses the organisation’s own previous record held by the Umling La Pass, which stood at 19,024 feet.
The newly constructed road, part of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche alignment, holds immense strategic importance. It provides a crucial third axis of connectivity to Fukche, a village located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This all-weather route will significantly enhance logistical support and operational readiness for the armed forces in the high-altitude border area.
Beyond its military utility, the engineering marvel is set to transform tourism in the remote parts of Ladakh. The Mig La Pass, situated at an altitude higher than both the Mount Everest South Base Camp (17,598 ft) and North Base Camp (16,900 ft), offers an unparalleled adventure for thrill-seekers and is expected to boost local socio-economic development by connecting isolated communities.
The construction was a test of both human endurance and engineering prowess. BRO personnel battled extreme challenges, including sub-zero temperatures, minimal oxygen levels (nearly 50% less than at sea level), and unpredictable weather. The successful completion of the road stands as a testament to the dedication and technical ingenuity of the BRO in building vital infrastructure across the world’s most formidable terrains.
A ceremony to mark the historic milestone saw the National Flag and the BRO flag proudly hoisted at the windswept pass by the project team.
