Linking Leh with Pangong: Rs 60 Bn twin tunnel in works

25 Nov 2024 CW Team

Kela pass is the country's highest motorable route linking Leh with Pangong lake. (AI image for representative purpose) Leh to Pangong tunnel! The government is considering various possibilities for building a 7-8 km twin tube tunnel through Kela pass, following a proposal from the UT administration of Ladakh. This tunnel would facilitate easier access for tourists and armed forces travelling between Leh and Pangong lake. Discussions were held recently by the home ministry regarding this matter. Sources told TOI that the estimated cost stands at Rs 60 billion. "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," an official told TOI. Standing at an altitude of 18,600 ft above mean sea level, Kela pass is the country's highest motorable route linking Leh with Pangong lake. In 2022, the Ladakh administration highlighted the necessity for constructing new tunnels at four locations: Khardung La, Fotu La, Namika La and Kela, to enhance tourism, boost economic activities and ensure uninterrupted movement of defence personnel. Officials are currently assessing whether the Border Road Organisation or the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation, operating under the road transport ministry, should undertake the construction of this strategically significant all-weather tunnel. Meanwhile, the Z-Morh tunnel, stretching 6.4 km along the Srinagar-Leh highway, stands ready for its official opening. This infrastructure will provide year-round access between Srinagar and Sonamarg, extending towards Kargil. The completion of both Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels will establish permanent connectivity from Srinagar to Leh, extending near the China border. This development holds significance for both economic growth and defence purposes, enabling swift military deployment and equipment transport. Currently, the Zojila tunnel construction has surpassed the halfway mark.

Kela pass is the country's highest motorable route linking Leh with Pangong lake. (AI image for representative purpose) Leh to Pangong tunnel! The government is considering various possibilities for building a 7-8 km twin tube tunnel through Kela pass, following a proposal from the UT administration of Ladakh. This tunnel would facilitate easier access for tourists and armed forces travelling between Leh and Pangong lake. Discussions were held recently by the home ministry regarding this matter. Sources told TOI that the estimated cost stands at Rs 60 billion. 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, an official told TOI. Standing at an altitude of 18,600 ft above mean sea level, Kela pass is the country's highest motorable route linking Leh with Pangong lake. In 2022, the Ladakh administration highlighted the necessity for constructing new tunnels at four locations: Khardung La, Fotu La, Namika La and Kela, to enhance tourism, boost economic activities and ensure uninterrupted movement of defence personnel. Officials are currently assessing whether the Border Road Organisation or the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation, operating under the road transport ministry, should undertake the construction of this strategically significant all-weather tunnel. Meanwhile, the Z-Morh tunnel, stretching 6.4 km along the Srinagar-Leh highway, stands ready for its official opening. This infrastructure will provide year-round access between Srinagar and Sonamarg, extending towards Kargil. The completion of both Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels will establish permanent connectivity from Srinagar to Leh, extending near the China border. This development holds significance for both economic growth and defence purposes, enabling swift military deployment and equipment transport. Currently, the Zojila tunnel construction has surpassed the halfway mark.

Infrastructure Urban

05 Nov 2025

TBO Tek Q2 Profit Climbs 12%, Revenue Surges 26% YoY

TBO Tek Limited one of the world’s largest travel distribution platforms, reported a solid performance for Q2 FY26 with a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue to Rs 5.68 billion, reflecting broad-based growth and improving profitability.The company recorded a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of Rs 8,901 crore, up 12 per cent YoY, driven by strong performance across Europe, MEA, and APAC regions. Adjusted EBITDA before acquisition-related costs stood at Rs 1.04 billion, up 16 per cent YoY, translating into an 18.32 per cent margin compared to 16.56 per cent in Q1 FY26. Profit after tax r..

Infrastructure Energy

05 Nov 2025

Northern Graphite, Rain Carbon Secure R&D Grant for Greener Battery Materials

Northern Graphite Corporation and Rain Carbon Canada Inc, a subsidiary of Rain Carbon Inc, have jointly received up to C$860,000 (€530,000) in funding under the Canada–Germany Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme to develop sustainable battery anode materials.The two-year, C$2.2 million project aims to transform natural graphite processing by-products into high-performance, battery-grade anode material (BAM). Supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Programme (NRC IRAP) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs a..

Infrastructure Urban

05 Nov 2025

Antony Waste Q2 Revenue Jumps 16%; Subsidiary Wins Rs 3,200 Cr WtE Projects

Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited (AWHCL), a leading player in India’s municipal solid waste management sector, announced a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in total operating revenue to Rs 2.33 billion for Q2 FY26. The growth was driven by higher waste volumes, escalated contracts, and strong operational execution.EBITDA rose 18 per cent to Rs 570 million, with margins steady at 21.6 per cent, while profit after tax stood at Rs 173 million, up 13 per cent YoY. Revenue from Municipal Solid Waste Collection and Transportation (MSW C&T) reached Rs 1.605 billion, and MSW Processing re..