Ladakh CS seeks faster execution of Kargil-Zanskar Road, Zojila Tunnel projects
Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting of the UT-level committee for monitoring and review of NHIDCL projects in Ladakh. The meeting reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects, including the Kargil–Zanskar Road (NH-301), Zojila Tunnel, Truck Terminal at Kargil, slaughterhouse at Leh and additional office building, besides various residential and public infrastructure projects.
At the outset, NHIDCL officials gave a detailed presentation on projects related to Urban Local Bodies, including the Shopping Complex, Truck Terminal Kargil, Office Complex at Dambuchan Leh, Officers’ Hostel (Geyser Palace), 100-bedded Staff Hostel and Type-IV Quarters at Geyser Palace. The Committee also reviewed infrastructure under Social and Tribal Affairs, including 300-bedded Girls’ Hostels at Leh and Kargil and Observation Homes at Leh and Kargil.
The meeting further reviewed the Kargil–Zanskar Road (NH-301) and associated infrastructure, including police stations, district police and SSP offices, Multipurpose Hall, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Passport Centre and integrated development works along NH-301. The status of land acquisition, compensation and package-wise physical progress was also discussed.
Reviewing the projects, the Chief Secretary sought clear timelines for completion and directed the concerned officers to resolve pending land acquisition and compensation issues in coordination with the district administrations. He also directed that necessary land records, NOCs and recommendation letters be processed without delay to facilitate project execution.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the Zojila Tunnel Project and sought an update on its targeted completion date and ongoing works. He stressed close monitoring of the remaining works and effective coordination among all agencies to ensure timely completion.
Regarding the Kargil Truck Terminal, he sought details of land acquisition, approach road width and connectivity and directed the concerned officers to immediately visit the site and assess the status and functional readiness of the approach road.
The Chief Secretary emphasised that completed Government buildings should be put to productive use without delay. He directed the PWD and concerned departments to take over completed buildings wherever required, ensure their maintenance and prepare clear utilisation plans.
Reviewing the 300-bedded girls’ hostel, he directed that essential facilities, including adequate heating arrangements, be ensured before its operationalisation, particularly keeping Ladakh’s winter conditions in view.
The meeting also reviewed the Officers’ Hostel and Type-IV Quarters at Geyser Palace, including existing common facilities, and discussed necessary retrofitting and improvement works.
The Chief Secretary stressed that vacant or completed public assets should not remain unused and that clear responsibility for their operation and maintenance must be assigned.
Road-related issues, including compensation, demolition of structures, arbitration matters and the status of the Sankoo road and other packages, were also reviewed.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies to resolve bottlenecks and take appropriate action on pending or delayed packages as per rules.
The Chief Secretary stressed that monitoring of NHIDCL projects should cover not only physical progress but also timely completion, commissioning and effective utilisation of completed infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Shurbir Singh; Secretary, Planning, Himanshu Gupta; Secretary, PWD, Baser-ul-Haq Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Chief Engineer, PDD; officers from NHIDCL and other concerned departments.