road between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh under Shingo La to enable all weather road connectivity between Manali and Leh via Darcha, Shingo La tunnel, Padum and Nimu with Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road. The double lane road is likely to be completed by late 2023. With the construction of the tunnel, inhabitants of about 15 villages of Zanskar Valley in Ladakh will also be relieved since the valley remains cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winter.This tunnel is aimed to boost commerce in the Zanskar Valley by bringing better connectivity. With the existing Atal Tunnel and after the completion of under-construction Shinku La Tunnel, Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road will become all weather road. Current status May 2021: There were two options for constructing the tunnel, longer tunnel of 13.5 km was rejected and a shorter 4.25 km tunnel was approved, which would be completed by 2024 but looking at the present condition it may take a few years more to complete it. As of October 2022, no work from both side has yet been started, as per local people. It is understood that the total cost of the BRO tunnel construction will be around ₹1,000 crore due to the simple design and requirement of basic electromechanical fittings. The 4.25km tunnel will have longitudinal ventilation using banana fans, which require minimum electricity and less operational costs. April 2022: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will start the construction of the Shinku La tunnel by July this year. The Government of India has already started 'Project Yojak' of BRO to execute this ambitious project. This tunnel is expected to be completed by 2025. The south portal of the tunnel will be at the base of Shinku La and the north portal near Lakhang. “There will be two tubes for to and fro traffic in the tunnel,” BRO DG Choudhary said in April 2022. The tunnel will shorten the overall distance by . June 2022: The land acquisition process with an aim to start the work in July has been speeded up. BRO is also consulting with the officials of the forest department, revenue, and public works department. The land acquisition process is expected to complete in July. See also India-China Border Roads Leh Manali road Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road References Mountain passes of Ladakh Mountain passes of Himachal Pradesh Geography of Lahaul and Spiti district