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    Com Secy reviews progress of the ongoing project of widening Kargil-Zanskar road, and issues related to snow clearance

    Publish Date: January 14, 2022
    DSC_0377

    Leh, January 14: Commissioner Secretary, PW(R&B), Ajeet Kumar Sahu convened a meeting to review the progress regarding the corridor clearance for the ongoing project of up-gradation and widening of the National Highway 301 – Kargil-Zanskar road – entrusted to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development (NHIDCL). He also discussed the matter of snow clearance with the concerned officials.
    The widening project of the Kargil-Zanskar road with the existing length of 234 km spans 32 villages. The Commissioner/Secretary was apprised by NHIDCL officials that award for 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 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, and in the remaining 10 survey work is ongoing.
    The Commissioner Secretary directed Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Sankoo to increase manpower and apply adequate machinery to clear the snow and complete the survey work in January itself and to also clear all revenue-related issues by the end of February this year.
    The project – with the desired length of 230 km – has been divided into eight packages for execution and once completed, it will ensure all-weather connectivity between Kargil and the remote Zanskar valley. It will also prove to be a valuable infrastructure asset for the movement of troops and heavy weapons/equipment, especially on the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel. It will be the shortest route to Kargil via Manali, Darcha and Padum. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in the economic development of the remote region of Ladakh. Further promotion of tourism will also be possible along the corridor and in Zanskar.
    The second issue that was reviewed by the Commissioner Secretary was the clearance of snow on the road blocked due to the recent snowfall. As of today, the 234 km long road, equipped with 58 machines and around 140 people involved in snow clearance, is now functional. This is the second continuous year that the highway has been operational during the winter season.
    The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Kargil; SE PWD (R&B) Kargil; SDM Sankoo and Zanskar and DGM (LA & Admin), NHIDCL, Ladakh and Director (P) NHIDCL, Ladakh.