Leh: A joint team of officials led by SDM Khaltsi Mohd. Sharif inspected the proposed site for the Fotula Tunnel on Wednesday, covering both the Leh-side and Kargil-side portals.
The visit, involving officers from R&B, PDD, Forest and Revenue departments, was aimed at assessing land identified for acquisition under the Land Acquisition Plan.
The survey also examined proposed locations for muck dumping and camping facilities.
It was conducted on the request of RITES—the DPR consultant—and the Border Roads Organisation’s 81 RCC, which will execute the project. Representatives from RITES and the Lambardar of Lamayuru village joined the inspection.
Funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the 1.95-km tunnel will include approach roads of around 700 metres and is expected to cut the existing travel distance of 11 km by about 8.5 km. Estimated to cost ₹1,200 crore, the project has a targeted completion time of 39 months once work begins.
The Detailed Project Report is in its final approval stage at the ministry, with tendering to follow land acquisition. The BRO will execute the project.
CEC Tashi Gyalson said the tunnel will mark another milestone in Ladakh’s infrastructure growth, reflecting the Union Territory’s development push under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
