The state government has sent a proposal to the central government to connect the two valleys with a tunnel route, with the aim of connecting two ITBP posts located in two different valleys on the India-China border and providing smooth traffic to the people of the border areas. 

With this, the distance between Pithoragarh's Jolingkang and Chamoli's Lapthal will be reduced to 42 km, which is 490 km at present. For this, three tunnels of about 57 km and 20 km of road are proposed to be made. Now a decision has to be taken by the Central Government on this project of strategic importance.

At present there is no such direct route in the India-China border, which directly connects the ITBP post at Lapthal in Chamoli to Jolingkang ITBP post in Pithoragarh. The distance of 490 km can be reduced by constructing three tunnels of 57 km each at these two strategically important posts.

It is important for people living in border areas, army, SSB and ITBP and also from the point of view of tourism. The state government, in its proposal sent to the Centre, has described the project as important for economic development of the state, promoting tourism and preventing migration along with maintaining human activities in the border areas.

The journey from Jaulingkang (Beas Valley) to Beadag (Darma Valley) in Pithoragarh district is covered via the Shimla Pass, which is covered with snow almost throughout the year. It is very difficult to construct a road at this place. Construction of 5 km tunnel between Jolingkang along with 20 km road from Vedang to Go and Sipu will connect the road from Tawaghat to Bedang constructed by BRO and CPWD. It will reduce the distance between Jolingkang and Bedang by 161 km.

The construction of motor road from Sipu to Tola, which is covered with snow throughout the year, is also difficult. With the construction of a tunnel of about 22 km length between Sipu to Tola, Darma Valley and Johar Valley will be connected to each other.

The footpath from Pithoragarh's Milam to Chamoli's Lapthal is also covered with snow throughout the year. It is difficult to construct a road in this part also. With the construction of 30 km tunnel from Milam to Lapthal, Pithoragarh's Johar Valley and Chamoli's Lapthal will be connected by road.

Recently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami raised this issue during his courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Referring to the proposal sent by the state government, he had requested for its early approval.

The boundaries of the state are important in terms of the country's strategic importance internationally. Roads are the main means of movement of soldiers and common people in the borders, but construction of roads is not possible in this area due to snowfall throughout the year. In view of this, the proposal for tunnel routes has been sent to the Centre. ,