Widening of Kargil-Zanskar highway initiated: Gadkari

A view of ongoing work on Kargil-Zanskar road.
A view of ongoing work on Kargil-Zanskar road.

Project divided into 8 packages

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Sept 12: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today said that in Ladakh the upgrade and widening of the 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road, which is a vital segment of National Highway 301 has been initiated.
In a series of tweets, he 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 Kms, featuring 13 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and an astounding 620 box culverts.
Gadkari 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.
The Minister said 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, he added.
Gadkari said under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, this ambitious initiative reflects a commitment to achieving efficient, trouble-free, and environmentally conscious mobility in the border region.