Upgradation of Kargil-Zanskar highway will boost economic growth in Ladakh: Gadkari

The Centre is now rushing with the upgradation project of the Kargil-Zanskar Intermediate Lane on National Highway 301 in Ladakh. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that the move will boost economic growth and connectivity in the area by providing a reliable and accessible link for both commuters and the movement of goods in the interior zones.

Gadkari, in a tweet, said the total length of the project is 31.14 kilometers and falls under Package-6.

Regular review meetings with various stakeholders including banks and other lenders, are being undertaken to assess the progress of the project.

Earlier, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary to the UT (Union Territory) Administration of Ladakh said that the government is fully committed to timely and efficient project implementation. The construction of this vital infrastructure aligns with Ladakh’s Vision 2047 of a developed and connected Ladakh, further bolstering the UT’s growth trajectory in line with inclusive development.

Sahu has also emphasized the significance of environmental conservation during the road’s development. He instructed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), the overseeing authority, to conduct extensive plantations along the route, ensuring the plantation of at least triple the number of uprooted plants. The NHIDCL has also been asked to complete construction in areas which are encumbrance free.

Earlier, Gadkari noted that construction of highways has gained unprecedented momentum in the last five years.

In 2018-19, highways with a total length of 10,900 km were constructed. In 2019-20 construction of 10,200km was undertaken. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that in 2020-21, the length was further increased to 13,300 km while it was 10,500km in 2021-22 followed by 10,300km in 2022-23.

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