China completes 400-metre bridge over Pangong Lake near LAC in Ladakh | See Satellite Images
PTC Web Desk: China has finished the construction of a 400-metre bridge over Pangong Lake, as per a report published by NDTV. New images from July 22 show the bridge has been black-topped, with light motor vehicles already using it.
This bridge, located in territory held by China since 1958, lies near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China in Ladakh. It significantly enhances the Chinese military's ability to rapidly move troops between the North and South banks of Pangong Lake, says the report published in NDTV.
Satellite imagery expert Damien Symon from The Intel Lab was quoted as saying, "The new bridge over Pangong Lake grants Chinese forces a direct, shorter route for rapid troop deployment. Earlier, the People's Liberation Army had to navigate the lake's entire eastern section to reach conflict zones, a lengthy detour that hampered their response time in an active conflict zone."
The construction of the bridge is expected to reduce the travel distance between both banks of the lake by 50-100 km, or several hours in travel time. When asked about these developments, the Indian External Affairs Ministry referred to a previous statement: "This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now. As you are well aware, India has never accepted such illegal occupation."
The latest satellite images also show road access linking the new bridge to an existing road network on the North bank of Pangong, leading to the Khurnak Fort, an ancient Tibetan structure seized by China in July 1958. On the South bank, a new road connects the bridge to Rutog, a Chinese garrison town and munitions hub. Symon added, "The bridge enhances connectivity between China's forward and depth forces, underscoring China's commitment to solidifying its territorial claims against India by modifying the landscape to its advantage."
India-China Tensions
Since May 2020, Indian and Chinese soldiers have engaged in a series of violent skirmishes along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. The most significant of these clashes occurred in the Galwan Valley, north of Pangong Lake, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. China reported four casualties, though investigative reports suggest the actual number was closer to 40.
Troops from both sides also clashed violently on the North bank of Pangong Lake. In response, India and China agreed to reduce tensions by creating a demilitarised zone, leading to China removing dozens of structures they had established between "Finger 4" and "Finger 8," geographic markers on the Northern bank of the lake.
In the wake of these clashes, India has intensified its infrastructure development in Ladakh, opening tunnels to ensure all-season access to the region. In 2021 alone, 87 bridges were constructed in Ladakh. The Indian government committed over Rs 2,000 crore in 2022 for frontier infrastructure development, assigning 18 key projects for Ladakh.
- With inputs from agencies
