In a major boost to troop mobility and operational preparedness along the sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday inaugurated the Shyok Tunnel on the strategically vital Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road in eastern Ladakh, providing critical all-weather connectivity to forward areas.

Situated at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, the 920-metre-long tunnel lies along the crucial 255-km Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road, the only surface route linking Leh with the forward military base of Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO).

The newly inaugurated tunnel, not only marks a critical addition to India’s strategic infrastructure in eastern Ladakh, but also access to DBO. Located in eastern Ladakh at an altitude of over 16,600 feet, DBO lies close to the Karakoram Pass and near the tri-junction of India, China and Pakistan, making it a vital forward position for surveillance and swift military deployment.

Following the 2020 India–China standoff in eastern Ladakh, DBO has gained added operational significance as a forward logistics hub.

The area also hosts one of the highest operational airstrips in the world. The outpost also anchors India’s deployment in the crucial Sub-Sector North (SSN), which is critical for securing access to the Siachen Glacier and safeguarding Ladakh’s northern flank.

By bypassing terrain prone to landslides, avalanches and prolonged winter closures, the tunnel ensures uninterrupted movement of troops, heavy equipment and essential supplies, thereby reinforcing India’s operational readiness and rapid deployment capability along the northern borders.

The Shyok Tunnel is among the 125 projects, at an estimated cost of around Rs 5,000 crore, inaugurated on Sunday. Representing the biggest single rollout in the Border Roads Organisation’s history, the package includes 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous infrastructure works spread across Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as seven states — Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.

Calling the newly inaugurated tunnel an ‘engineering marvel’, the Defence Minister said that built in the world's toughest and challenging terrains, the tunnel will ensure all-weather reliable connectivity in this strategic area. “The tunnel will also enhance safety, mobility and faster deployment capability, especially during harsh winters in a region prone to heavy snowfall, avalanche and extreme temperatures. The roads that are built in the border areas are not just roads, but are like a lifeline for security, economy, mobility of armed forces and disaster management. The Shyok Tunnel is a great example of this,” he said.

Singh further emphasised that the speed with which India is strengthening its borders with roads, tunnels, smart fencing, integrated command centers and surveillance systems is proof that connectivity is a backbone of security, and not a separate entity.

Commending the BRO, the Defence Minister said that the organisation has emerged as a synonym of ‘Communication’ and ‘Connectivity’.

“Our Armed Forces launched the operation in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Everybody knows what befell on those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, only did only what was necessary. Such a massive operation was possible due to our strong connectivity. Logistics were delivered to the Armed Forces in a timely manner. Our connectivity with the border areas was maintained, making the operation a historic success,” he said, while speaking on Operation Sindoor.

“We’re witnessing many wars and conflicts today. Post Operation Sindoor, we also witnessed a major conflict. But despite these challenges, our economy continues to grow, we continue to move forward,” he added further. The Defence Minister also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh to honour the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of the Armed Forces personnel.

In his address, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for his visionary leadership and to the Government for its progressive policies and enhanced support, which have enabled BRO to expand its operational capabilities.