New Delhi: China has this month completed the construction of a bridge in the territory held by it overlooking the Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh, making it easier for movement of troops.
Latest satellite images show that the black topping has been completed this month.
ThePrint was the first to report in January 2022 that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was building a bridge over the Pangong Tso on its territory in Khurnak, the narrowest part of the lake.
It was later revealed that the structure was being used as a service bridge for the construction of the main bridge, work on which was started.
Publishing latest images, satellite imagery expert Damien Symon, who goes by the ‘X’ handle _Detresfa, said the bridge connecting the north and south bank of Pangong Lake shows signs that indicate it might be ready for use shortly.
The bridge enhances the mobility of Chinese forces and helps cut down the time needed to launch a quick operation. It will help Chinese troops along with their tanks access areas in the southern banks like the Rezang La where they were outsmarted by the Indians in 2020.
Cutting down a 180-km loop from Khurnak to the south banks through Rutog county in Tibet, the bridge will also give the Chinese the capability to bring heavier war fighting equipment to the finger areas in the northern bank of Pangong Tso.
While the stand-off was on in the southern banks of Pangong Tso, between September 2020 and mid-2021, the Chinese had built a new road to the Moldo garrison to circumvent the visibility arc of the Indian soldiers and equipment on top of advantageous heights.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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