BRO Sets New Guinness Record With World’s Highest Motorable Road At 19,400 Feet In Ladakh

In a massive achievement, India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has surpassed itself in the Guinness World Record by building the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in east Ladakh. The new route, built at an elevation of 19,400 feet, outshines the previous record holder, BRO’s Umling La Pass, which was at 19,024 feet. The road forms part of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche alignment, connecting the Hanle region with Fukche village by the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The feat was executed under Project Himank, led by Brigadier Vishal Srivastava. In a way to mark the successful completion of the project, the Indian tricolour and the BRO flag were hoisted at the windswept pass.Strategic And Local SignificanceThe new Mig La Pass road is expected to significantly enhance strategic mobility along India’s eastern Ladakh border. It will facilitate quicker movement for border security and logistics while at the same time improving connectivity for local residents. Communities in Hanle and Fukche who previously remained isolated during harsh winters will now be able to benefit from the shorter travel times that this road will provide, having access to supplies throughout the year.Engineering Challenges At Extreme AltitudeIt appears that constructing a road at such a high altitude didn’t come without any complexities. Temperatures often plummet well below freezing points while oxygen levels are nearly 50 per cent lower than at sea level. The terrain features loose soil, icy winds and snow-capped stretches, making both engineering and human endurance tests severe. Despite these conditions, it is understandable that BRO engineers carried out the project with accuracy and dispatch, overcoming both technical and physiological obstacles.Historical Context: BRO’s Previous RecordBefore Mig La, the BRO held the Guinness World Record for the highest motorable road at Umling La Pass, completed in 2021. Umling La, at 19,024 feet, was part of the Hanle-Koyul-Fukche-Demchok Road. This previous record underlined BRO’s expertise in constructing high-altitude roads, a legacy that Mig La now surpasses. At 19,400 feet, Mig La Pass is higher than Mount Everest’s South Base Camp in Nepal (17,598 feet) and North Base Camp in Tibet (16,900 feet).Impact On Tourism And Adventure TravelIt is expected that the construction of the Mig La road will increase Ladakh's tourism. One of the world's highest motorable roads will soon be accessible to adventurers looking for adventures at extreme altitudes. This new route puts eastern Ladakh on the map for adventure travellers from across the world by providing chances for high-altitude hiking, riding trips, and photography.FAQsQ1: What is the world’s highest motorable road?The world’s highest motorable road is at Mig La Pass in eastern Ladakh, India, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an elevation of 19,400 feet.Q2: Who built the Mig La Pass road?The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Himank, constructed the road with leadership from Brigadier Vishal Srivastava.Q3: Which road did Mig La surpass as the highest motorable road?Mig La Pass road surpassed Umling La Pass, also built by BRO, which held the previous Guinness World Record at 19,024 feet.Q4: Why is Mig La Pass road strategically important?The road connects the Hanle region with Fukche village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), enhancing strategic mobility and enabling faster border logistics.Q5: Can tourists travel on Mig La Pass road?Yes, the road is accessible for adventure enthusiasts and travellers seeking high-altitude experiences, though travel requires acclimatisation and suitable vehicles.Q6: What challenges were faced in building the Mig La road?Engineers contended with extreme cold, low oxygen levels, snow, loose terrain, and high-altitude health risks during construction.Q7: How does Mig La compare with Everest Base Camps?Mig La Pass at 19,400 feet is higher than both the South Base Camp (17,598 feet) in Nepal and the North Base Camp (16,900 feet) in Tibet.Q8: When was Umling La Pass completed?Umling La Pass, the previous highest motorable road, was completed in 2021 and is part of the Hanle-Koyul-Fukche-Demchok alignment.(With inputs from various sources.)Ladakh To Open Siachen And Galwan For Tourism, Announces Lieutenant Governor