Telecom expansion too bridging connectivity gaps
Likely to be completed by this year end
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, May 2: In a major push to the infrastructure development in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Central sector projects are progressing at a steady pace, with substantial investment already translating into visible gains on the ground, particularly in aviation and road connectivity.
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As per the official document, the copy of which is available with EXCELSIOR, the Union Territory of Ladakh currently has four Central sector infrastructure projects worth Rs 1824.27 crore, out of which Rs 1326.90 crore has already been expended, reflecting strong execution and a high rate of fund utilization in one of the most challenging terrains in the country.
A key highlight of the infrastructure push is a major aviation project under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Originally sanctioned at Rs 480 crore and later revised to Rs 640 crore, the project—construction of terminal building and associated works at Leh Airport has already recorded an expenditure exceeding Rs 500 crore, indicating that it is in an advanced stage of completion.
“Once operational, the project is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity to Ladakh, ensuring greater reliability of transport during winter months when road access remains severely constrained due to extreme weather conditions”, the document said.
Complementing the aviation sector, three major road projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are also progressing steadily. With a combined cost of Rs 1184.27 crore and expenditure of over Rs 825 crore so far, these projects are set to transform surface connectivity across the region.
Around 91% progress has been registered on the construction of Kargil-Zanskar Road. Against sanctioned cost of Rs 398.37 crore, expenditure to the tune of Rs 282.19 crore has already been made on this project.
Similarly, 82.75% progress has been made on widening and upgradation of 2-lane with paved shoulder of National Highway 301 Kargil-Zanskar Road (around 30 kilometers in length), which is being done at an estimated cost of Rs 381.01 crore. Likewise, 75.38% progress has been made on another 26 kilometers length, which was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 404.89 crore.
“In Ladakh’s rugged terrain, roads serve as critical lifelines not only facilitating civilian movement and tourism but also supporting essential supply chains and defence logistics. The ongoing works aim to provide all-weather connectivity, reducing travel time and improving access to remote and border areas”, the document said.
“What stands out in Ladakh’s infrastructure story is the high level of execution efficiency, with nearly 80 percent of the total project cost already utilized. This reflects sustained monitoring and effective implementation despite logistical constraints posed by high altitude, extreme climate and limited working seasons”, official sources said.
They further said, “while the number of projects in Ladakh may be limited, their strategic and developmental significance is immense. Each project has been carefully designed to address critical connectivity gaps while reinforcing Ladakh’s role as a key border region”.
“The ongoing infrastructure push is expected to boost tourism, improve economic activity, enhance accessibility and strengthen national security preparedness”, they further said, adding “unlike large States with a wide spread of projects, Ladakh is witnessing a focused and quality-driven development model, where fewer but high-value projects are delivering tangible outcomes”.
They remarked, “with most of the Central sector projects nearing completion, Ladakh is steadily moving towards a new phase of enhanced connectivity and integrated development, marking a significant step forward in its infrastructure journey”.
Apart from road and aviation connectivity, the Ladakh Union Territory has also witnessed significant progress in the telecommunication sector, with Department of Telecommunication extending network coverage to a large number of previously unconnected villages thereby improving digital access and bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas, the official document said.
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