SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to strengthen its infrastructure network with massive road, bridge, and building projects under multiple central and UT-level schemes. The Public Works Department (PWD) and Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) are implementing initiatives under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Special Development Package (SDP), and the State Capex Budget.
Road and bridge projects worth around Rs 2,896 crore are currently under execution through CRIF, with additional bridge works approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Under PMGSY, 196 schemes sanctioned between PMGSY-I and III have seen 137 completions, while PMGSY-IV focuses on connecting previously unlinked habitations under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Meanwhile, 72 projects covering buildings, roads, and bridges, worth Rs 288.32 crore, are being executed under the State Capex Budget, with about 91 per cent of allocated funds already utilised as of December 31, 2025.
Officials highlighted that Ladakh’s unique geography and extreme climatic conditions—high-altitude terrain, harsh winters, and a short construction season—pose significant challenges to project execution. To address these, the administration is exploring ways to extend construction activity into winter months, leverage technology, and enhance labour and resource planning.
The UT administration is also moving toward digital transformation in infrastructure management. Plans include end-to-end digitisation of contractor registration, tendering, payments, work coding, and geo-tagged photo monitoring. Camera-based monitoring systems will be deployed on major projects, and a comprehensive digital road network map is being prepared to identify covered and uncovered areas for improved connectivity planning.
The Mechanical Engineering Department presented its divisional setup in Leh and Kargil, the availability of machinery, and key achievements during 2025, outlining its role in supporting infrastructure expansion across the UT. The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to identify unused government buildings for alternative purposes and directed the filling of vacant departmental positions to ensure timely project execution.
Senior officials attending the meeting included Shri Michael M. D’Souza, Secretary (GAD/PWD–R&B), Er. Abdul Mutalib, Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) PMGSY, and Dr Dorjey Gyatso, Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Circle Leh, along with other senior engineers and departmental staff.
With these initiatives, Ladakh aims to significantly improve connectivity, enhance strategic infrastructure, and ensure efficient utilisation of resources, paving the way for sustained development across the high-altitude region.
