Project Himank is one of the prestigious projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) located in India's northernmost Ladakh region. Himank is responsible for construction of GS roads and other related infrastructure for Army, Air Force and government organisations located within the Ladakh region consisting of Leh and Kargil districts. Project Himank looks after the famous areas of Drass, Kargil, Batalik, Siachen Glacier and Chushul. The project sector encompasses world's second coldest region of Drass, world's highest motorable road astride Khardung La, world's highest battle-ground of Siachen Glacier and Pangong Tso Lake at 14500 ft located across India-China border.

Recently, Lt Gen Prakash Suri, Director General Boarder Roads along with Mrs Kamlesh Suri, President, Border Roads Organisation Wives’ Welfare Association, visited the site of Project Himank. After the initial acclimatisation and briefing by Brig Amar Jit Singh, CE Himank, the DG went for an aerial recce of Nimu - Padam - Shinkhula road. This recce had a special significance for the Ladakh region, as it coincided with the inauguration of the work on the Zanskar Axis - the much awaited all- weather alternate route to Ladakh region from Chandigarh via Manali. The inauguration was done by the DG at Padam, the main township in the Zanskar Valley - one of the most remote places in the country. Mr Namgyal, President, Zanskar Budhist Association along with local dignitaries participated in the function. As a mark of respect, the local public gathered along the motorway and took the DG on a horseback to the inauguration site where an entertainment programme was also held.

The need for an alternate all- weather route to Ladakh region was felt after operation Vijay and the route was recommended by the Kargil Review Committee. It was felt that a route which would be an alternative to the National Highway through Srinagar was essential, both for the sustenance of the forces in Ladakh and the much needed socio-economic development of the Ladakh region. The only other route to Ladakh is from Chandigarh through Manali. This route remains closed for traffic from October to June every year due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass and other passes like Barlachla, Lachungla and Tanglangla. As such, an off-take from Darcha in Himachal, through the Zanskar Valley to Leh, was conceived and accepted in the BRO’s programme for the current year.

Project Himank and 753 BRTF can proudly boast of another feather in their cap. The route from Darcha to Leh, a total stretch of about 292 kms, will run along Zanskar River. It will prove a boon for developmental activities in this region. It will also do away with the requirement of winter stocking at Ladakh.

During the visit, DG also met GOC 14 Corps, CEC of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Dalai Lama. Gen Suri visited remote detachments of the project while driving extensively through Khardung La (18380 ft), Chang La (17580 ft), Tangtse, Thoise and Lukung. He inspected the resurfacing of Thoise Airfield and construction of MI-17 Hanger at Partapur undertaken by 16 BRTF. The DG drove through Darbuk Shyok— a CSG road of strategic importance. He was impressed with the good quality of work.

President BROWWA visited all the important passes including world's highest pass, Khardung La, and world's second highest pass, Chang La. She was impressed with the way troops work in an extremely difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Mrs Suri also attended the BROWWA meet organised by Himank and saw the display of items made by the ladies of all ranks. The ladies of Himank family also organised a ladies meet at Himank Officers' Mess.