Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the upgrade and widening of the 230-km-long Kargil-Zanskar road in Ladakh, has been initiated.

In a series of posts on X, Gadkari said that this extensive project, which is a vital segment of National Highway-301 and divided into eight packages, has seen the successful completion of package-5, with package-6 and 7 scheduled for this fiscal year.

The Minister added that these three packages encompass a staggering 97.726 km, featuring 13 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and an astounding 620 box culverts.

Gadkari explained that the terrain presents immense challenges, with a deep gorge on one side and a steep hill on the other.

The region's harsh environment, marked by scant vegetation and low oxygen levels, coupled with its extreme cold climate, compounds the difficulties. Over half of the stretch lacks habitation and network connectivity, he added.

The Minister expressed that upon completion, this all-weather road will serve as a crucial infrastructure asset, facilitating troop and heavy artillery movement.

Beyond its strategic importance, the project is poised to spur economic development and boost tourism in the region, Gadkari added.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ambitious initiative reflects a commitment to achieving efficient, trouble-free, and environmentally conscious mobility in the border region, Gadkari added.