SRINAGAR: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the approval of a Rs 1,196.22 crore project for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel across Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1 in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
📢Ladakh🛣️
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, we have approved ₹1196.22 crore for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel, along with approach roads, across Fotu La Pass on National Highway 1.
NH-01 (Uri–Srinagar–Leh) traverses Fotu La at an altitude of…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 27, 2026
The NH-01 (Uri–Srinagar–Leh) corridor, which passes through Fotu La at an altitude of Approximately 4,108 metres, is the highest point on the highway and serves as a key strategic and supply route to Ladakh. The existing stretch is marked by steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends, and frequently faces winter closures due to heavy snowfall and icing.
According to the announcement, the project will cover a total length of 2.65 km, including a 1.96 km twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 km of approach roads. The tunnel is aimed at ensuring safer, all-weather connectivity along the route.
Once completed, the project is expected to reduce the travel distance by 8.5 km, providing significant strategic and logistical advantages, particularly in maintaining uninterrupted access to Ladakh.
