₹136Cr Korzok Nurboo Sumdo to Spiti road project cancelled
LEH: In a landmark step towards enhancing infrastructure in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Government of India (GoI) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (Zone-II), approved projects worth Rupees ₹931 crores under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
The approved CRIF projects are expected to enhance the road network, facilitate economic growth, support tourism, and improve access to healthcare and education in various regions of Ladakh, thereby marking a significant milestone in the Union Territory’s development journey.
These projects aim to significantly boost connectivity and expedite development across the region, especially in remote and underserved areas.
In a notification issued approving the works, Government of India (GoI), Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (Zone-II), said, “Approved list of works to be taken up under Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and Setu Bandhan Scheme in the Union Territory of Ladakh.”
“In this regard, it is informed that the following 12 No. of road projects amounting to
Rs. 829.72 Crore under CRIF and 02 No of Bridge proposals under Setu Bandhan Scheme amounting to Rs. 102.10 Crore are approved by the competent authority as per CRIF Guidelines dated 31.01.2020,” the approval order read.
The road proposals approved under CRIF scheme include Construction of Single Lane Highway Handenbroke-Zi ngpal between (5.0Km from Handenbrok end) and (5.0Km from Zingpal end) under Project Vijayak in UT Ladakh amounting Rs 229.52 Cr in Leh; Upgradation of road (From, Pmt & Surface) Khangral Sanjak from CI-9 to NHDL specification from Km 0.00 to Km 10.00 under project Vijayak in the UT of Ladakh amounting Rs 98.89 Cr in Kargil district; Upgradation of road (From, Pmt & Surface) Khangral Sanjak from CI-9 to NHDL specification from Km 10.00 to Km 17.95 and surfacing works on road Khangral-Sanjak from Km 17.950 to Km 28.155 to NHDL specification under Project Vijayak in the UT of Ladakh amounting Rs 91.43 Cr in Kargil district; Widening and upgradation of Hemis Chomoling habitation road amounting Rs 14.00 Cr in Leh district; 5 Km Link Road Richen Karcheykhar via Stakburik to Fargon Tsang Zangla Bhaho Bridge Sangrah amounting Rs 9.98 Cr in Kargil; Construction of Link road from Kanji to Rangdum amounting Rs 110 Cr in Leh district was approved; In Kargil, Widening / upgradation of road from Shagaran to Tachala, Shakar amounting Rs 28 Cr; Improvement, Widening and upgradation of Spituk to Rumbak, Rumchung amounting Rs 45 Cr, and other works in in both the districts of Ladakh amounting Rs 202 crores making the aggregated approved amount to Rs 829.72 Crore.
The Bridge proposals under CRIF (Setu Bandhan) approved include Construction of 540 Mtr Span Bridge over River Shayok at Lakjung with an approved amount of Rs 93 Cr in Leh district; and Construction of 1 X 50 M span double lane Bridge over Suru River at Brakoo in place old damaged under strutted wooden single lane Motorable Bridge amounting Rs 9.10 Cr in Kargil district making an aggregated amount of Rs 102.10 Cr approved by the GoI.
As per the GoI order, the work namely “Road from Korzok Nurboo Sumdo to Spiti” amounting to Rs 136 Cr has been de-sanctioned as per recommendation of UT of Ladakh, which was earlier sanctioned vide Ministry’s letter of even number dated 02.01.2024.
Member of Parliament Ladakh, Mohammad Heneefa Jan thanked the Central government saying, “I am deeply thankful to Nitin Gadkari, for approving ₹931 crore worth of CRIF projects for Ladakh. This is a major boost for our region — especially in terms of road connectivity, tourism, and overall development in remote and difficult terrains.”
“I’m particularly happy about the inclusion of single lane Handenbrok-Zingpal highway, connecting Turtuk and Hanu, something I’ve been committed to achieving ever since I assumed the role of MP,” he said in a message.
The MP further extended his sincere thanks to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for recognizing its strategic and local importance and for taking these vital steps. This means a lot to the people of Ladakh.
Meanwhile, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Leg, Advocate Tashi Gyalson congratulated the people of Ladakh on a major milestone; ₹931 Crore CRIF Projects Approved for UT Ladakh.
“In a significant step towards strengthening infrastructure in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Government of India has approved projects worth ₹931 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). These projects will play a crucial role in improving connectivity and accelerating development across the region,” Gyalson said in a message.
The CEC congratulated the people of Ladakh on this important milestone and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning these vital projects for Ladakh.
Former Chairman of the J&K Legislative Council and Senior BJP Leader, Haji Anayat Ali also extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ladakh on this crucial development, and expressed deep gratitude to the PM Modi, HM Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and CEC Leh for their tireless efforts in securing these vital projects.
Haji highlighted that six of the sanctioned projects are for the Kargil district, which Advocate Tashi Gyalson had discussed with him in New Delhi before submission, and commended the spirit of coordination and mutual effort that ensured equitable development across both districts of Ladakh.
“Connectivity is the key to development and prosperity, and CRIF is a transformative scheme through which the BJP-led Central Government has empowered the far-flung regions of the country,” said Haji Anayat Ali.
He added that the development under CRF in Kargil Region began during his tenure as Chairman in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir and continues to bring progress to Ladakh today.
