Centre Approves Rs 9,905.1 Million Leh Bypass Project

14 Jul 2026 CW Team

The Central Government has approved the construction of the Leh Bypass (Southern Alignment) in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Wednesday. The scheme has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 9,905.1 million (mn), converted from the originally stated Rs 990.51 crore. The approval covers a project intended to augment surface connectivity around Leh and to provide an alternative route to the existing urban corridor.

The project involves the construction of a two-lane highway with paved shoulders from NH-01 near Phyang village, adjacent to the HPCL plant, to Upshi on the Leh–Manali Highway (NH-03). The design as described by the ministry will cater for vehicular movements common to the region and seek to ensure year-round accessibility. Alignment and engineering considerations will reflect local topography and climatic conditions typical of high altitude terrain.

Officials indicated the bypass is expected to ease congestion within Leh town and to reduce transit pressure on the established route, while improving safety for commuters and commercial traffic. The intervention is also projected to support tourism and local commerce by offering a more reliable corridor for movement of goods and services. Planners noted that improved peripheral connectivity can distribute traffic flows and enhance access to peripheral settlements.

The central approval initiates the process for detailed project reports, land acquisition where necessary and statutory clearances ahead of tendering and construction. Implementation will be overseen by the ministry in coordination with the relevant road authority and local administration to align works with environmental and logistical constraints. The measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen surface infrastructure in the Himalayan region and to improve resilience of transport links.

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