SRINAGAR: Road connectivity across Ladakh has accelerated at an unprecedented pace for civilian and military needs as part of a “tsunami of development” in the region since it became a separate Union Territory following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, junior Union highways minister Harsh Malhotra said Sunday.
“The region has seen major central projects across multiple sectors. From 2020 to date, Centre has provided Rs 20,660 crore for road development of Ladakh,” Malhotra told journalists in Leh.
The minister showcased progress on Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway project with an Rs 1.31-lakh crore allocation. “At present, the journey from Delhi to Leh takes 40 hours (by road) but after the railway line is ready, it will reduce the distance to 20 hours,” Malhotra said. He added the Srinagar-Leh rail project had not been cancelled but put on hold.
A major push for air connectivity is also on, with Rs 640 crore earmarked for a new terminal at Leh airport.
With the chief executive of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Tashi Gyalson by his side, Malhotra mentioned a flurry of projects. These included Shinku La Tunnel. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rs 1,200-crore project on July 26 last year. It involves a 4.1-km twin-tube structure built at 15,800ft. The tunnel on Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road will be completed in two years and connect Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It will provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, vital for both civilian and military requirements.
“Road infrastructure continues to be a priority, with Rs 2,405 crore earmarked for the Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road. It will further strengthen Ladakh’s connectivity,” Malhotra said, listing other projects like Zanskar-Kargil road and Zoji La tunnel.