SRINAGAR : Ladakh is pushing for faster execution and commissioning of a series of major infrastructure projects, including the Kargil-Zanskar Road, Zojila Tunnel, Kargil Truck Terminal, new hostels, government office complexes and social infrastructure, with the UT administration seeking firm timelines for completion.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewed the progress of NHIDCL projects at a meeting of the UT-level committee for monitoring and review, where officials presented the status of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure works across Ladakh.
Among the projects reviewed were the Kargil-Zanskar Road (NH-301), the Zojila Tunnel, a Truck Terminal at Kargil, a slaughterhouse at Leh and an additional office building, besides residential and public infrastructure.
A significant component of the upcoming infrastructure includes a Shopping Complex and Truck Terminal at Kargil, an Office Complex at Dambuchan in Leh, the Officers’ Hostel at Geyser Palace, a 100-bedded Staff Hostel and Type-IV quarters at Geyser Palace.
The administration also reviewed social infrastructure projects, including 300-bedded girls’ hostels at Leh and Kargil and Observation Homes at both locations.
The Kargil-Zanskar Road project and infrastructure planned along NH-301 also figured prominently in the review. The package includes police stations, district police and SSP offices, a Multipurpose Hall, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Passport Centre and other integrated development works along the highway.
The committee reviewed land acquisition, compensation and package-wise physical progress on the road project, with Kundra directing officials to resolve outstanding issues in coordination with district administrations. He also called for speedy processing of land records, NOCs and recommendation letters required for project execution.
On the Zojila Tunnel, the Chief Secretary sought an update on the targeted completion date and the status of remaining works, stressing close monitoring and coordination among the agencies involved to ensure timely completion.
The Kargil Truck Terminal was another key project under review. Kundra sought details of land acquisition, the width of the approach road and its connectivity, and directed officials to visit the site and assess whether the approach road was functionally ready.
The administration also reviewed the Officers’ Hostel and Type-IV quarters at Geyser Palace, including common facilities and proposed retrofitting and improvement works.
Kundra stressed that infrastructure should not merely be completed on paper but commissioned and put to use. He directed the PWD and concerned departments to take over completed government buildings, ensure their maintenance and prepare clear utilisation plans.
The 300-bedded girls’ hostel was specifically reviewed in the context of Ladakh’s harsh winters, with directions to ensure adequate heating and other essential facilities before it is made operational.
The meeting also took up road-related issues involving compensation, demolition of structures, arbitration and delayed packages, including the Sankoo road. Officials were directed to resolve bottlenecks and take action on pending packages in accordance with rules.
The Chief Secretary emphasised that monitoring of NHIDCL works should extend beyond construction progress to completion, commissioning and effective utilisation of public assets.
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, NHIDCL officials and representatives of other concerned departments.
