Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The world’s first solo motorcycle expedition undertaken by Miss Kanchan Ugusandi covering 18 treacherous passes in Northern Himalayan ranges culminated on July 7, 2021, at Seema Sadak Bhawan in New Delhi. The expedition was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 11, 2021, from New Delhi.
The month-long expedition witnessed many firsts by a solo woman rider. Ugusandi has become the first solo woman biker to scale the Umlingla Pass, the first woman to cover the 18 passes, and also the first woman to traverse a distance of 3,187 km from New Delhi-Manali-Leh -Umlingla-Delhi in one go, according to a PIB release.
The expedition was jointly flagged in by Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry and Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) S M Vaidya.
Ugusandi traversed the distance in 25 days and crossed 18 passes including the world’s highest motorable Umlingla pass at 19,300 feet made by Border Roads Organisation (BRO). On successful completion of the expedition, DGBR complemented Ugusandi for her determination and perseverance in undertaking the expedition through extremely harsh terrain and also to honour the dauntless courage and supreme sacrifice of BRO Karmyogis for the development of road infrastructure in border areas.
The solo motorcycle expedition also played a pivotal role in promoting road and Covid safety awareness in border areas. The DGBR added that this unique motor cycle expedition demonstrates the strong resolve of Indian women, who are breaking stereotypes and taking the challenges which were hitherto not undertaken. It will also signify women empowerment, he said.