Ladakh: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the upgrade and widening of the 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road, which is a vital segment of National Highway 301, in Ladakh.
In a series of tweets, Union minister for road transport and highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said this extensive project, divided into 8 packages, has seen the successful completion of Pkg 5, with Pkg 6 and 7 scheduled for this fiscal year. The minister said these 3 packages encompass a staggering 97.726 Km, featuring 13 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and an astounding 620 box culverts.
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The minister said the terrain presents immense challenges, with a deep gorge on one side and a steep hill on the other. He said the region’s harsh environment, marked by scant vegetation and low oxygen levels, coupled with its extreme cold climate, compounds the difficulties. Over half of the stretch lacks habitation and network connectivity.
Upon completion, this all-weather road will serve as a crucial infrastructure asset, facilitating troop and heavy artillery movement. Beyond its strategic importance, the project is poised to spur economic development and boost tourism in the region, said a senior officer of the NHAI.
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This ambitious initiative reflects a commitment of the Central government to achieving efficient, trouble-free, and environmentally conscious mobility in the border region.
