A structure to mark the achievement of building the road across Khardungla and to remember those who lost their lives in doing so
Building of the road across the Khardungla Pass in Ladakh at 18,380 feet in 1972-73 was no mean feat. Nothing is easy in the harsh conditions and terrain of such altitudes. How did the Indian Army come good in this challenge?
Work started in August 1972 after a earlier failed attempt in 1963. Not much progress was made initially, and the challenge rose manifold in the winters with the danger of frostbite setting in besides other risks. Work finally started in full swing in April 1973. Helicopters lifted jeeps, coal tar cans and other supplies to the site as there was no other way to do so.
According to an Army document, “A glaciated patch of hard frozen ice 500 metres ahead of the pass was spanned by a 110 foot Bailey bridge launched by the Border Roads Organization. It became the highest bridge in the world. It was also unique in that its ends rested on hard ice. After being repeatedly swept away by avalanches, and being re-launched, this path was finally overcome by constructing a wire crated stone masonry causeway in 1994.”
On an unfortunate note, 18 men lost their lives while building the road.
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Dear Ajay,
I think you should visit Sikkim —it is also a place which you will like—we can also get to read some informative write ups from you.
Regards
Sourav