The construction of a new 130-km alternative road to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in eastern Ladakh is nearing completion, with the entire stretch expected to be fully operational by October-November 2026. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is undertaking this project to provide a more secure and efficient route to the strategically important DBO military outpost.

DBO, located at an altitude of 16,614 feet, is a critical node in Sub-Sector North, overlooking the Karakoram Pass and situated just a few kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the China-occupied Aksai Chin region. The existing 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road, while enhancing India's ability to deploy troops and supplies, runs almost parallel to the LAC, making it vulnerable to enemy surveillance and potential attacks.

The new 130-km road branches off from Sasoma in the Nubra Valley and traverses through Saser La, Saser Brangsa, and Gapshan before connecting with the existing DSDBO route at Murgo. As of July 2025, connectivity work from Sasoma to Saser Brangsa, including black-topping, is complete, and approximately 60%-70% of the stretch eastward towards Murgo and Gapshan has also been finished. According to a defense official, over 70% of the construction between Saser Brangsa and Gapshan is complete and the entire route should be travel-ready by late next year. Some heavy military equipment, including artillery guns like Bofors, have been moved on the completed sections to test their load-carrying capacity.

Once complete, the new road will shorten the distance from Leh to DBO by 79 kilometers, reducing it from 322 km via DSDBO to 243 km. Travel time is expected to decrease from two days to approximately 12 hours, significantly boosting troop mobility, supply chain efficiency, and emergency response capabilities in the region. The route includes nine bridges rated for 40-ton military vehicles, with plans to upgrade them to 70-ton capacity to facilitate the movement of heavier armored equipment and advanced weaponry.

To ensure year-round connectivity, the BRO is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an 8-km tunnel under Saser La, situated at an altitude of 17,660 feet. Once approved, the tunnel is expected to take 4 to 5 years to construct and will help overcome challenges posed by severe winter snow and weather-induced inaccessibility.

The construction of this alternative road gained urgency following the 2020 India-China military standoff, which highlighted vulnerabilities in India's access to forward locations in eastern Ladakh. The new alignment is designed to minimize exposure to enemy surveillance and firepower, enhancing India's ability to support its forces at DBO. Furthermore, five strategic road projects in Ladakh have received wildlife clearance, including the route to DBO, to improve logistical support and troop movement. The new routes will enable faster deployment of patrols and quick reaction teams, ensuring a strong Indian Army presence along the LAC.