LEH: Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), with emphasis on expediting strategically important roads, tunnels and connectivity projects across the Union Territory.
Chairing a meeting to monitor the status of BRO projects, the Chief Secretary took a detailed review of ongoing and proposed works being undertaken by Project Vijayak and Project Himank. The meeting also focused on resolving bottlenecks related to funding, land acquisition, utility shifting and statutory clearances that could affect the timely execution of critical infrastructure.
Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak, made a detailed presentation covering various projects, including project-wise fund requirements and proposals under the Special Development Package (SDP). Particular attention was given to the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Hanuthang–Turtuk Road and a tunnel across Hamboting La, besides the proposed widening of the Khaltse–Batalik Road and upgradation of an existing PMGSY road to improve connectivity towards the Kargil–Dumgil Road.
The meeting also examined the financial requirements of works under CRIF packages, including sanctioned costs, funds already allocated and additional requirements for 2026–27. Special focus was placed on CRIF projects involving land acquisition and utility shifting, with discussions covering land acquisition, compensation, electricity shifting and other associated financial requirements.
A detailed review of Project Himank followed, with its Chief Engineer presenting the status of ongoing and new projects. The presentation included DPR preparation for the Agham–Khalsar and Tangtse–Lukung roads under SDP, proposed projects for which AIP has been sought, helipad development and road safety works. Issues concerning pending land acquisition cases were also discussed.
Reviewing the overall progress, Kundra stressed the need for close and continuous coordination between BRO and the concerned UT departments to ensure that bottlenecks are addressed without delay. He called for expediting DPR preparation and completing necessary processes related to land acquisition, compensation, utility shifting, funding and clearances so that strategically and developmentally significant infrastructure projects can move forward within stipulated timelines.
The review assumes particular significance for Ladakh, where road and infrastructure connectivity remains crucial not only for strengthening access to remote and border areas but also for supporting economic and social development. The focus on major road links, tunnels, helipads and road safety works is expected to further strengthen the region’s connectivity network.
Administrative Secretary, PD&MD, Himanshu Gupta; Administrative Secretary, PWD, Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary; Chief Engineers of PWD and PDD; Deputy Commissioner Leh; Deputy Director and Joint Director, Planning; Chief Engineers of Projects Himank and Vijayak; and other concerned officers attended the meeting. The concerned Deputy Commissioners also participated virtually.
