Srinagar: The connectivity of the road through Ladakh has accelerated at an unprecedented rate for civil and military needs as part of a “development tsunami” in the region since it became a separate trade union territory after the abrogation of article 370 of 2019, the Minister of Roads of the Junior Union, Harsh Malhotra, said Sunday.
“The region has seen the main central projects in multiple sectors. From 2020 to date, Center has provided RS 20,660 million rupees for the development of the Ladakh road,” Malhotra told journalists in Leh.
The minister exhibited the progress in the Bilaspur-Sali-Leh Railway Project with an allocation of millions of rupees of 1.31-Lakh. “At present, Delhi’s trip to Leh takes 40 hours (by road), but after the railway line is ready, it will reduce the distance to 20 hours,” said Malhotra. He added that the Srinagar-Leh rail project had not been canceled, but was waiting.
An important impulse for air connectivity is also turned on, with RS 640 million rupees for a new terminal at Leh airport.
With the executive director of the Autonomous Development Council of Ladakh (LAHDC) Tashi Gyalson by his side, Malhotra mentioned an avalanche of projects. These included the Shinku la. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the RS 1,200 million rupees on July 26 last year. It implies a double tube structure of 4.1 km built at 15,800 feet. The tunnel in Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road will be completed in two years and will connect Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It will provide connectivity for all climate to Leh, vital for civil and military requirements.
“The road infrastructure remains a priority, with RS 2,405 million rupees for the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road. Ladakh connectivity will further strengthen,” said Malhotra, listing other projects such as Zanskar-Kargil Road and Zoji La Tunnel.