Upgrade and Widening of Kargil-Zanskar Road Underway

Ladakh, September 15, 2023: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has confirmed the commencement of the upgrade and widening of the 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road, a crucial segment of National Highway 301, in Ladakh. In a series of tweets, the Minister revealed that this extensive project (Kargil-Zanskar Road) has been divided into eight packages, with Package 5 already successfully completed. Packages 6 and 7 are scheduled for completion in the current fiscal year. These three packages alone cover a vast distance of 97.726 kilometers and include the construction of 13 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and an astonishing 620 box culverts.

In Ladakh, we have initiated the upgrade and widening of the 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road, which is a vital segment of National Highway 301. This extensive project, divided into 8 packages, has seen the successful completion of Pkg 5, with Pkg 6 and 7 scheduled for this… pic.twitter.com/bdXZurqcBH

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 12, 2023

Shri Gadkari emphasized that the terrain poses significant challenges, characterized by a deep gorge on one side and a steep hill on the other. The region’s harsh environment, marked by minimal vegetation, low oxygen levels, and extreme cold weather, further complicates the project. Additionally, over half of the road’s stretch lacks habitation and network connectivity.

Highlighting the significance of this project, the Minister noted that once completed, the all-weather road will play a vital role in facilitating troop movements and the transportation of heavy artillery. Beyond its strategic importance, the initiative is expected to catalyze economic development and promote tourism in the region.

Shri Gadkari underscored that this ambitious undertaking aligns with the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and reflects the government’s commitment to establishing efficient, trouble-free, and environmentally conscious mobility solutions in border regions.