The Army is changing its logistics system up to the LAC along the China border in Ladakh. The aim is to ensure that the supply of weapons, ammunition, fuel and rations continues even if a road, bridge or supply route is blocked. For this, alternative routes are being developed along the roads connecting Ladakh with the rest of the country, as well as in the interior areas.
At present, there are two major routes to Ladakh. The first is Srinagar-Kargil-Leh and the second is Manali-Leh. The nearly 298-km-long Nimu-Padam-Darcha route is emerging as a third major link. After the construction of an approximately 4.1-km-long tunnel at Shinkun La, it could become a year-round route. Meanwhile, the Zoji La Tunnel will strengthen all-weather connectivity on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh route.
Several alternative links are also being developed within Ladakh. These include the Hanuthang-Turtuk, Khalatse-Batalik and Kargil-Dumgil routes. Work on tunnel projects at Khardung La and Batalik is also progressing. The logistics system is now also placing greater emphasis on protection against drone attacks. For this, counter-drone systems, surveillance, secure communications and forward storage facilities are being expanded.
India shares a nearly 4,000-km-long border with China.
The 298-km third route will open a route to Ladakh from the Himachal side
1. Why is the Army creating a new system in Ladakh?
So that weapons, fuel, rations and other essential supplies can continue to reach the troops even if a particular road, bridge or supply route is blocked.
2. What does a multi-route network mean?
It means maintaining more than one route to an important military area. If one route is blocked, another can be used.
3. Why is the Nimu-Padam-Darcha route important?
The nearly 298-km route reaches Ladakh from the Himachal side via Zanskar. It will provide Ladakh with connectivity from another direction.
4. Why is the Zoji La Tunnel important?
Zoji La is affected by heavy snowfall during winter. The tunnel will improve year-round movement on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh route.
5. How much is being spent on the projects?
According to defence sources, road and tunnel projects worth around ₹18,000 crore are currently under construction in the Kargil-Leh-Ladakh region.
6. What will be the impact on winter stocking?
At present, large quantities of rations, fuel and other supplies have to be stockpiled in high-altitude areas before winter. Year-round routes will provide greater flexibility in this system.
7. Is reaching Ladakh enough?
No. Supplies also need to be transported from Ladakh to forward military posts. That is why alternative routes are also being developed in the interior areas.
8. Why are these alternative routes needed?
In mountainous areas, the closure of a single pass, bridge or narrow road can affect an entire military sector beyond it. A second route is therefore essential in such situations.
9. Can drones also threaten the supply chain?
Yes. In modern warfare, roads, bridges, fuel storage facilities and logistics centres can become targets of drone attacks. Their protection is therefore also necessary.
10. What has been the impact of the 2020 India-China standoff?
Earlier, the main focus was on providing road connectivity to forward posts. Now, the Army is developing a multi-route network.
