Amit Shah announces Paddar-Zanskar road
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Amit Shah announces Paddar-Zanskar road

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled plans for the Paddar-Zanskar road, aiming to bolster strategic border infrastructure and enhance cultural, tourism, and economic connections between Zanskar, Paddar, and Pangi.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the residents of Zanskar and the Paddar-Pangi Valley for Shah's announcement regarding this long-awaited road project.

“The Paddar-Zanskar road is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline that will transform connectivity between Ladakh and the Paddar region, extending to Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Beyond improving local connectivity, this road will significantly bolster national security along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, areas that have experienced numerous conflicts, including the wars of 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999, as well as the Galwan skirmish in 2020. It will also revitalize cultural and historical ties among these regions, unlocking significant tourism potential and economic growth for Ladakh, Paddar, and Pangi,” stated Namgyal.

Namgyal had previously advocated for this road during a Parliament session on December 21, 2022, proposing two potential routes for its construction: a 45 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Soomchan-Zongkhul and an 80 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Dangail-Pot La-Bardan/Haftal, directly connecting Ladakh with Jammu.

“Once completed, the road will be the shortest link between the Northern Command and Pathankot Airforce and Military Station, reducing the current distance by approximately 150 km. This route holds historical significance, having been used by the renowned Dogra General Zorawar Singh during his campaigns in Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Tibet in the 1830s. Additionally, the road will provide a safer, more secure route through Paddar Sub-Division, circumventing areas prone to anti-national activities,” the statement continued.

As part of this development initiative, Namgyal noted that a 31 km road from Block Headquarters Paddar to Lossani Machail Paddar has already been approved under PMGSY Phase 1 and Phase 2, with a budget allocation of Rs 46.42 crore. The planned construction of an 8 km tunnel from Lossani to Dangail via Dharlong Nallah and Chamo Chohar will further improve connectivity, directly linking Paddar to Zanskar in Ladakh.

“This project is crucial for national security and the socio-economic upliftment of the region. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate tourism, invigorate local economies, and foster a deeper sense of unity among the people of Paddar, Pangi, and Ladakh. We express our sincere gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and the Modi Government for their unwavering commitment to the progress and security of our region,” Namgyal concluded.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled plans for the Paddar-Zanskar road, aiming to bolster strategic border infrastructure and enhance cultural, tourism, and economic connections between Zanskar, Paddar, and Pangi. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the residents of Zanskar and the Paddar-Pangi Valley for Shah's announcement regarding this long-awaited road project. “The Paddar-Zanskar road is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline that will transform connectivity between Ladakh and the Paddar region, extending to Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Beyond improving local connectivity, this road will significantly bolster national security along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, areas that have experienced numerous conflicts, including the wars of 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999, as well as the Galwan skirmish in 2020. It will also revitalize cultural and historical ties among these regions, unlocking significant tourism potential and economic growth for Ladakh, Paddar, and Pangi,” stated Namgyal. Namgyal had previously advocated for this road during a Parliament session on December 21, 2022, proposing two potential routes for its construction: a 45 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Soomchan-Zongkhul and an 80 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Dangail-Pot La-Bardan/Haftal, directly connecting Ladakh with Jammu. “Once completed, the road will be the shortest link between the Northern Command and Pathankot Airforce and Military Station, reducing the current distance by approximately 150 km. This route holds historical significance, having been used by the renowned Dogra General Zorawar Singh during his campaigns in Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Tibet in the 1830s. Additionally, the road will provide a safer, more secure route through Paddar Sub-Division, circumventing areas prone to anti-national activities,” the statement continued. As part of this development initiative, Namgyal noted that a 31 km road from Block Headquarters Paddar to Lossani Machail Paddar has already been approved under PMGSY Phase 1 and Phase 2, with a budget allocation of Rs 46.42 crore. The planned construction of an 8 km tunnel from Lossani to Dangail via Dharlong Nallah and Chamo Chohar will further improve connectivity, directly linking Paddar to Zanskar in Ladakh. “This project is crucial for national security and the socio-economic upliftment of the region. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate tourism, invigorate local economies, and foster a deeper sense of unity among the people of Paddar, Pangi, and Ladakh. We express our sincere gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and the Modi Government for their unwavering commitment to the progress and security of our region,” Namgyal concluded.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

NLCIL Mines Win Top Honours in 2023–24 Star Ratings

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has once again cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining, with all five of its operating mines receiving prestigious Star Ratings for 2023–24 from the Ministry of Coal.The Star Rating scheme, introduced in 2019, evaluates mines across seven key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety, technological adoption, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. Since the inception of the framework, NLCIL has ensured 100 per cent partici..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

GST on Coal Raised to 18 per cent, Compensation Cess Removed

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a hike in the GST rate on coal and lignite from 5 per cent to 18 per cent, while simultaneously removing the additional compensation cess of Rs 400 per tonne, previously levied at 40 per cent. The decision, taken on 3 September, is expected to rationalise the tax structure without raising the overall cost burden on power producers or consumers.According to a statement from the Union government, the move is unlikely to impact electricity prices, as the tax adjustment is designed to be revenue-neutral for buyers. The removal of the cess is ex..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

SCCL Mines Win 5-Star National Awards for Excellence

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has been awarded 5-Star ratings at the national level for four of its coal mines for the last financial year, recognising the company’s excellence in sustainable mining, safety, and operational practices.The honoured mines include:RG OC-1 Extension from the Ramagundam-3 AreaJK-5 OC from the Yellandu AreaRK-6 Underground Mine and RK-Newtech Mine from the Srirampur AreaThese awards were presented during the 5-Star Rating Awards Ceremony held in Mumbai, where SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram received the accolades from Union Minister for ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?