Government considers Rs 60 Bn tunnel to link Leh with Pangong

19 Nov 2024 CW Team

The government is weighing options for the construction of a 7-8 km twin tube tunnel through Kela pass, which has been proposed by the UT administration of Ladakh, as per a TOI report. The tunnel is expected to facilitate smooth movement of travellers and military personnel between Leh and Pangong Lake.

TOI says that the home ministry held meetings on the issue this week. The project is likely to cost around Rs 6,000 crore, sources said. "It's a tough and high-cost project. A call is likely to be taken soon. It's a strategic road and will reduce the travel time from Leh to Pangong substantially. The project is at a very nascent stage," a source said.

Sources said options are being explored whether Border Road Organisation or the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation under the road transport ministry would build the strategic tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity.

Kela pass is the highest motorable pass of the country connecting Leh with Pangong lake. Its altitude is 18,600 ft from mean sea level.

Aiming to improve connectivity for tourism, economic activities and smooth movement of defence forces, the Ladakh administration in 2022 had first stressed the need for new tunnels at four passes at Khardung La, Fotu La, Namika La and Kela.

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..