Kargil-Zanskar road widening takes off

Leh, January 14

The 230-kilometre Kargil-Zanskar National Highway will become an all-weather road as the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has begun work for its upgradation and widening, officials said.

This is the second continuous year that the Kargil-Zanskar highway has been operational during the winter season. This was revealed at a high-level meeting chaired by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary (Road and Buildings Department), to review the progress regarding the corridor clearance for the ongoing project of upgradation and widening of the NH-301 — Kargil-Zanskar road.

The widening project of the Kargil-Zanskar highway with the existing length of 234 km spans 32 villages, they said. The commissioner was apprised by NHIDCL officials that award for the acquisition of land in two villages has been issued, 10 are in the process of getting awarded, papers on four have been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and in the remaining 10 survey work is ongoing, they said.

The project has been divided into eight packages for execution. Once completed, it will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kargil and the remote Zanskar valley, they said. — PTI

Valuable infra for troops

• A senior official says the all-weather road will be valuable infrastructure for the movement of troops and heavy weapons and equipment, especially after the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel.
• Besides playing a crucial role in the economic development of the region, it will also promote tourism, says Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary (Road and Building Department).