Chief Secretary reviews Progress of Major NHIDCL Road and Infrastructure Projects in Ladakh
Leh, September 19:
Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting to review the progress of major infrastructure projects being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), in the presence of Managing Director, NHIDCL, Dr. Krishan Kumar, at Hotel Dragon, Leh. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the UT Administration, NHIDCL and other concerned departments.
The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of major strategic infrastructure projects, including the Kargil–Zanskar Road (NH-301), Zojila Tunnel Project, and other road infrastructure and connectivity initiatives across the UT.
Detailed discussions were held on the proposed alignment and strengthening of NH-301, particularly the Zanskar–Kargil connectivity. Various alignment options were examined through maps and presentations. The Chief Secretary sought a detailed assessment of the proposed alignments, including their rationale and utility in view of existing road infrastructure, and directed the concerned authorities to examine the proposals from the perspective of improved connectivity, traffic management, public convenience, economic utility and long-term infrastructure requirements.
The meeting also discussed the proposed airport road, Kurbathang road, village connectivity, Iqbal Bridge and other important stretches, with emphasis on identifying technical constraints, potential hindrances arising from private or public properties, and issues requiring administrative intervention.
A detailed review was undertaken of the land acquisition status for different packages of NH-301, including pending arbitration cases, compensation matters.
The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, and other concerned officers to undertake a package-wise review of all pending land acquisition and arbitration matters and expedite necessary proceedings to prevent further delays. He also directed authorities to ascertain the status of possession and payments in cases where compensation has already been submitted to the courts.
The progress of wayside amenities and associated infrastructure along NHIDCL stretches was also reviewed. The Chief Secretary emphasised clearly defined timelines and directed the concerned agencies to complete ongoing works and associated land acquisition and arbitration processes in a time-bound manner. Discussions were also held on strengthening the existing Sankoo Road and the need for proper coordination with the concerned Hill Development Council and local stakeholders. Officers were directed to ensure that all necessary consultations, consents and procedural requirements are completed in accordance with established norms.
The progress and implementation plan of the Zojila Tunnel Project were reviewed in detail, with emphasis on timely completion of all critical components considering its significance for all-weather connectivity and regional infrastructure development.
The meeting further reviewed other important infrastructure works in the UT, including the proposed tower and electricity-line infrastructure associated with Padum and Zanskar, as well as the construction of the new Secretariat building and new guest house. Secretary, PWD, briefed the meeting on the present status of these projects and highlighted issues and deficiencies observed at the sites. Photographic documentation of the works was also presented.
Taking serious note of the identified deficiencies, the Chief Secretary directed the executing agencies and contractors to rectify all shortcomings and ensure completion strictly in accordance with prescribed quality standards, specifications and approved timelines.
Directions were issued to ensure that contractors undertake necessary corrective measures and deploy adequate manpower and resources to accelerate the pace of work. The Chief Secretary stressed that project completion must be accompanied by proper quality, finishing and functional standards and should not be pursued merely for achieving physical completion.
He further directed that a comprehensive list of all defects, deficiencies and pending works be prepared and formally handed over to the concerned contractors, with clear timelines for rectification. The nodal officers and PWD were directed to regularly monitor corrective works and submit status updates to the competent authority. Increased deployment of working teams at project sites was also emphasised wherever required.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Krishan Kumar, Managing Director, NHIDCL, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India; Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Shubhir Singh; General Manager, NHIDCL; S. Rajesh, PCCF; Secretary Planning Himanshu Gupta; Secretary PWD Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary; Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk; Chief Engineer, PWD; Chief Planning Officer, and other senior officers from the concerned departments and agencies.