India builds world’s highest motorable road at a height of 19300 ft in Ladakh

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has finished constructing India’s and world’s highest highest motorable road, smashing the previous record that was held by Bolivia. Built at a height of 19300 ft, this road passes Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. This 52 km stretch is a black-topped road that will connect several important towns in the Chumar sector of Eastern Ladakh.

As per the reports, the road has been constructed much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier, which stands at 17700 feet, and the Khardung La Pass in Leh, which is at an altitude of 17582 feet. With this, India has smashed Bolivia's record of road built at 18953 ft. Referring to this, the Ministry of Defence stated that it will prove to be a boon to the local population as it will offer them an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh. The Ministry also added that this road will promote tourism in Ladakh, and also help enhance the socio-economic condition in the region.
Praising the BRO, the Ministry added that the BRO has achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions.

To put things in context, the ministry elaborated that the altitude of this road is even higher than the base camps of Mount Everest, as the North Base Camp in Tibet stands at an altitude of 16900 ft, while the South Base Camp in Nepal sits at an altitude of 17598 ft.
Reportedly, the project was underway since 2017, and now after the blacktopping has been done, it marked the completion of the project.