Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: A delegation of public representatives from Kargil and Leh, led by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former MP from Ladakh, met Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General (DG) of the Border Roads Organization (BRO), at Seema Sadak Bhawan, New Delhi, to discuss critical road and infrastructure needs in Ladakh.
The delegation, including Councillor Aga Syed Ali Almusavi (LAHDC Kargil), former councillor Tsering Paldan (LAHDC Leh) and Nawang Dorjay Lungdo (Tharuk villagers community), highlighted the urgency of pending projects essential for both civilian and military movement.
Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and Tsering Paldan raised concerns over the 30 km Upshi-Gya stretch on the Leh-Manali Highway, urging immediate sanctioning of funds for its improvement as its deteriorating condition poses risks to civilians, tourists, and defense personnel. Despite multiple requests over the last four years, the project remains stalled, prompting the delegation to press for expedited approval and funding.
Another major demand was the construction of a strategic tunnel from Farona (Lasar La) to Drass, jointly proposed by Aga Syed Ali Almusavi and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal. The proposed tunnel aims to strengthen national security by facilitating rapid troop movement, ensure all-weather connectivity by cutting travel time by an hour, boost hydroelectric power generation by enabling an additional 8 MW to the Chutuk Hydroelectric Project, and foster economic growth in the region.
Additionally, the delegation sought early construction of the Kela Tunnel at Changla, emphasizing its importance for all-weather access to strategic areas. Namgyal also pushed for the blacktopping of the Nimoo-Padum Road, construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel, development of the Korzok-Spiti Road, and resolution of concerns regarding civilian labor in BRO projects.
After a detailed discussion, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed at the earliest, with concrete actions to accelerate approvals, funding, and execution of these crucial projects.
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