Despite higher than normal snow accumulation this year, efforts are in full swing to reopen the Manali – Leh Highway on time. And now BRO believes, they will be able to reopen the Manali – Leh Highway by the 25th of May 2017.

Last year the Manali – Leh Highway had reopened on the 22nd of May.

BRO team is currently working on clearing the road to Baralacha La from Manali side and has managed to reach the army base of Patseo. Even though distance between Patseo and Baralacha La is mere 30 km, it will likely take 3 weeks for the BRO to clear the road and widen it enough for vehicular traffic.

Baralacha La is the last pass to reopen on the Manali – Leh Highway and is also the toughest pass to reopen for BRO thanks to the heavy blanket of snow that covers it during winter.

Just like in the case of the Rohtang Pass, two BRO teams work on clearing the Baralacha La, one working from Manali side and another from Sarchu side.

There is no word yet on the progress of the BRO team, which sets up its base in Sarchu, after clearing Lachulung La and Nakee La.

Apart from Baralacha La and the road connecting it to Sarchu, 17,480 ft Tanglang La remain the primary challenge for the BRO to reopen Manali – Leh highway for vehicular traffic.