National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has initiated with the work of Kargil-Zanskar National Highway for its upgradation and expansion.
Officials informed that 230-kilometre Kargil-Zanskar National Highway will become an all-weather road. Kargil-Zanskar highway has been operational in winter season for the second year as well. A meeting was recently convened by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary (Road and Buildings Department) to look out at the progress for the ongoing project.
As per reports, project work of the Kargil-Zanskar highway with the existing length of 234 km spans 32 villages. 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.
The project, with the desired length of 230 kilometres, has been divided into eight packages for execution. Once completed, it will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kargil and the remote Zanskar valley, reportedly.
A senior official informed that it will help in valuable infrastructure asset for the movement of troops and heavy weapons and equipment, especially on the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel. Also, it will prove to be the shortest route to Kargil via Manali, Darcha and Padum areas. Sahu said that this will be an important project for the economic development of Ladakh.