New 130-km road near DBO keeps Indian army movements out of China’s prying eyes

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is in the final stages of constructing a 130-kilometre alternative road to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) military outpost in eastern Ladakh. The project, passing through Sasoma in the Nubra Valley, Saser Brangsa, Gapshan, and ending at DBO, is expected to be fully operational by October-November 2026, according to sources.

Advantages over existing routes

The alternative road offers improved operational security, as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will find it more difficult to monitor movements along this new route compared to the existing 255-kilometre Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. The current road runs almost parallel to the LAC before ending approximately 20 kilometres short of the Karakoram Pass.

Current progress and strategic significance

Connectivity work from Sasoma to Saser Brangsa, including black-topping, has been completed, with approximately 60-70% of the road eastwards towards Murgo and Gapshan finished. A source stated that heavy military equipment, including artillery guns such as Bofors, have already been transported on the completed sections to test their load capacity. The new route will enhance the capability to rapidly move soldiers, weapons, and logistics to the frontier.


India accelerated construction of this alternative road following last year's military disengagement in the Depsang Plains and ongoing military confrontations with China, highlighting the strategic importance of secure and efficient connectivity to the DBO sector.

Geographical and tactical details

The DBO outpost, situated at an altitude of 16,614 feet, includes an advance landing ground (ALG) and overlooks the Karakoram Pass. It lies a few kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the China-controlled Aksai Chin region. A seven-kilometre tunnel under Saser La Pass, located at 17,660 feet, is planned to provide all-weather connectivity.

(With inputs from TOI)