JTN visits Phuktal Gonpa, Monks raise demand for 4G access, Tsarap Bridge

PADUM: The monastic community at Phuktal Gonpa in Zanskar’s Lungnak region has urged former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal to pursue the establishment of a 4G mobile network in the Phuktal-Yugar belt and expedite construction of the proposed Yugar-Phuktal bridge over the Tsarap River, describing both projects as essential to improving connectivity in one of Ladakh’s most remote regions.

The demands were raised during Namgyal’s visit to the centuries-old monastery on Tuesday, where monks said reliable telecommunications and all-weather physical connectivity remain critical for residents, students and pilgrims. They maintained that the two projects would substantially improve access to essential services while reducing the region’s longstanding isolation.

During the interaction, the monastic community also acknowledged Namgyal’s role in advancing Zanskar’s developmental agenda, including the grant of separate district status, which they said had strengthened administrative outreach and accelerated public service delivery.

The monks further appreciated the approval of the ₹46-crore Purne-Shade road project under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) during Namgyal’s tenure as Member of Parliament. They also credited him with pursuing improvements in road infrastructure, bridges, telecommunications, electricity, education and healthcare across Zanskar.

Responding to the demands, Namgyal assured the monastic community that he would continue to pursue the 4G mobile network, the Yugar-Phuktal bridge and other infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the developmental needs of the remote region. He reiterated that strengthening digital and physical connectivity remains central to improving access to essential services and creating better opportunities for local residents.

The former parliamentarian attributed the pace of infrastructure development in Zanskar to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, stating that their focus on border areas had accelerated development initiatives across Ladakh.