Leh: Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra, on his one day visit to Ladakh held a press briefing in the presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, and BJP State President, Phunchok Stanzin, to provide an overview of the Union Budget 2025-26.
He emphasized that this year’s budget aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to make India a fully developed nation by its 100th year of independence.
Minister highlighted India’s economic progress over the past decade, noting that the country has advanced from being the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest today, with a target of securing the 3rd position within the next four years.
He also underscored significant strides in poverty alleviation, stating that 25 crore people have been uplifted above the poverty line.
The minister highlighted the government’s substantial investments in infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in national highways, as a key driver of economic growth.
He noted that between 2014 and 2024, India constructed 55,000 km of new national highways, significantly improving connectivity and boosting development.
He emphasized that infrastructure spending plays a crucial role in GDP expansion, while the growth of transport networks has generated both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Additionally, he pointed out that the number of airports has increased from 72 to 152, and over 90% of Indian Railways has been electrified.
On the education front, he highlighted that 20 AIIMS institutions have been established, while the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23, and IIMs from 13 to 21.
To enhance skill development, the government has introduced on ground skill internship program benefiting 1 crore students aged 21-24 years based on certain criteria.
Minister also highlighted the financial allocation for Ladakh in this year’s budget, stating that the Union Territory has been sanctioned Rs 4,692.15 crore for the financial year 2025-26.
Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, the region has seen major central government projects across multiple sectors.
Connectivity has significantly improved, with the distance to Zanskar reduced from 470 km to 220 km, drastically cutting travel time. Infrastructure development has been a priority, with three bridges completed at a cost of approximately Rs 60 crore.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, approx Rs 288 crore has been sanctioned for Ladakh, and major roads have been completed, enhancing connectivity to remote villages and providing better market access for farmers.The Zojila Tunnel, a critical project for year-round connectivity, has received a substantial allocation of Rs 6,808.69 crore.
Similarly, the Shinku La Tunnel, crucial for both civilian and strategic access, has been allocated Rs 1,200 crore. Road infrastructure continues to be a priority, with Rs 2,405 crore earmarked for the Nimu-Padam-Darcha (NPD) road, further strengthening Ladakh’s connectivity.
Additionally, funding has been provided for the double laning of the Khaltsi-Batalik road, with a total project cost of Rs 508.70 crore, along with multiple highway and bridge projects to improve accessibility across the region.
Additionally, Rs361.31 crore has been allocated under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to further support critical connectivity projects across Ladakh.
In a major push for air connectivity, the Leh airport expansion project has been allocated Rs640 crore for the construction of a new terminal building, aimed at improving travel and trade facilities.
Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, Rs 4.09 crore has been allocated to support the development of border settlements by improving essential services and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Additionally, Rs129.50 crore has been set aside for the Changthang development package, focusing on the socio-economic upliftment of the region.
In the second session, the Minister took part in a public interaction in the presence of Chairman, CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors Stanzin Chosphel, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, and Ghulam Mehdi; Councillors; BJP State President, Phunchok Stanzin; Former Member Parliament, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Former CECs Gyal P Wangyal and Rigzin Spalbar, along with various religious leaders, representatives from the transport association, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and other prominent figures.
The discussion focused on Ladakh’s development and the way forward, covering infrastructure, employment, and social programs.
Malhotra reiterated the government’s commitment to Ladakh’s long-term growth, particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, and social development, despite the budget allocation decreasing from Rs5,958 crore last year to Rs 4,692.15 crore for the financial year 2025-26.
Following the discussion, a question and answer session allowed attendees to raise concerns regarding job creation, economic growth, and regional development.
Malhotra addressed various queries and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive progress.
The event concluded with Minister Harsh Malhotra reiterating the government’s vision of building a stronger, self-reliant India, ensuring equitable growth and prosperity for all.
