Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Mar 23: Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra today paid visit to Ladakh and highlighted key aspects of the Union Budget for the year 2025-26.
Addressing press conference at Leh in the presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, and BJP UT president, Phunchok Stanzin, the Minister provided an overview of the Union Budget 2025-26. He emphasized that this year’s budget aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to make India a fully developed nation by its 100th year of independence.
Minister highlighted India’s economic progress over the past decade, noting that the country has advanced from being the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest today, with a target of securing the 3rd position within the next four years. He also underscored significant strides in poverty alleviation, stating that 25 crore people have been uplifted above the poverty line.
Malhotra projected the government’s substantial investments in infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in national highways, as a key driver of economic growth. He noted that between 2014 and 2024, India constructed 55,000 km of new national highways, significantly improving connectivity and boosting development. He emphasized that infrastructure spending plays a crucial role in GDP expansion, while the growth of transport networks has generated both direct and indirect employment opportunities. He pointed out that the number of airports has increased from 72 to 152, and over 90% of Indian Railways has been electrified.
On the education front, he highlighted that 20 AIIMS institutions have been established, while the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23, and IIMs from 13 to 21. To enhance skill development, the government has introduced on ground skill internship program benefiting one crore students aged 21-24 years based on certain criteria.
The Minister also highlighted the financial allocation for Ladakh in this year’s budget, stating that the Union Territory has been sanctioned Rs 4,692.15 crore for the financial year 2025-26. Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, the region has seen major Central Government projects across multiple sectors. Connectivity has significantly improved, with the distance to Zanskar reduced from 470 km to 220 km, drastically cutting travel time.
Infrastructure development has been a priority, with three bridges completed at a cost of Rs 60 crore. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, approx Rs 288 crore has been sanctioned for Ladakh, and major roads have been completed, enhancing connectivity to remote villages and providing better market access for farmers.
The Zojila Tunnel, a critical project for year-round connectivity, has received a substantial allocation of Rs 6,808.69 crore. Similarly, the Shinku La Tunnel, crucial for both civilian and strategic access, has been allocated Rs 1,200 crore. Road infrastructure continues to be a priority, with Rs 2,405 crore earmarked for the Nimu-Padam-Darcha (NPD) road, further strengthening Ladakh’s connectivity.
Additionally, funding has been provided for the double- laning of the Khaltsi-Batalik road, with a total project cost of Rs 508.70 crore, along with multiple highway and bridge projects to improve accessibility across the region. Rs 361.31 crore has been allocated under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to further support critical connectivity projects across Ladakh, the Minister added.
In a major push for air connectivity, the Leh airport expansion project has been allocated Rs 640 crore for the construction of a new terminal building, aimed at improving travel and trade facilities. Moreover, Rs 129.50 crore have been kept for the Changthang development package, focusing on the socio-economic upliftment of the region.
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