Which agency has built and is maintaining the Leh-Manali Highway?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) The Border Road Organisation.

Explanation:The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is responsible for constructing and maintaining roads in border areas of India, including the Leh-Manali Highway. This highway connects Leh in Ladakh with Manali in Himachal Pradesh, playing a crucial role in transportation, especially for defense purposes.

Information Booster:

• Border Road Organisation (BRO): Established in 1960, the BRO is tasked with building roads in strategically important border regions, particularly in difficult terrains like the Himalayas and Ladakh.
• Strategic Importance: The Leh-Manali Highway is not only vital for civilian travel but is also important for defense operations and logistical support to regions like Ladakh, which have sensitive security concerns.
• Key Role: BRO is instrumental in constructing roads under harsh weather conditions, making it a key component in India's road infrastructure in remote and inaccessible regions.
• Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Minister (2025): Shri Rajnath Singh

Additional Information:

• Himachal Pradesh State Highway Authority: Does not oversee the Leh-Manali Highway, which is managed by BRO.
• National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL): Primarily focused on infrastructure development in the North-East region, not the Leh-Manali Highway.
• National Highway Authority of India (NHAI): Oversees the development of national highways but does not manage the Leh-Manali Highway.