Leh, May 9 : Bharatiya Janata Party Ladakh president Tashi Gyaltsan Khachu has urged the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to expedite clearance and reopening of the Leh–Manali Highway, particularly the snowbound Sarchu–Darcha stretch, citing mounting disruption to transport, tourism and supply chains across the region.
In a letter addressed to BRO Director General Lt General Harpal Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Khachu stated that while vehicular connectivity between Leh and Sarchu has already been restored, the remaining sector between Sarchu and Darcha continues to remain closed, affecting commuters and commercial activity dependent on the highway.
The BJP leader said the delay in reopening the route was causing inconvenience to transporters, tourists, local residents, government agencies and travellers using the strategic corridor linking Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh. He noted that the tourist and working season in Ladakh had already commenced, making timely restoration of the road network essential for movement of essential supplies and economic activity.
Khachu stated that prolonged closure of the highway was affecting transportation of fuel, construction material and other essential commodities besides disrupting tourism operations, emergency services and public transport. He also expressed concern over its impact on trade and logistical movement in the region.
Seeking immediate intervention, he requested the BRO and executing agencies to accelerate snow clearance, road restoration and maintenance work on the Sarchu–Darcha sector to facilitate safe reopening of the Leh–Manali Road at the earliest.
The issue was also raised by a delegation of traders from Pang led by former councillor Karma Namdak, which met the BJP Ladakh president and sought intervention for early restoration of connectivity on the route.
According to the statement, Khachu subsequently held a telephonic conversation with the BRO Director General and pressed for urgent measures to ensure reopening of the highway without further delay.
The Leh–Manali Highway remains one of Ladakh’s major surface links during the summer months and plays a crucial role in transportation of goods, tourism movement and regional connectivity
