Lok Sabha Question No. 1850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-09
Subject: Road Connectivity in UT of Ladakh
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Jamyang Tsering Namgyal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1850 ANSWERED ON 9 TH  DECEMBER, 2021

ROAD CONNECTIVITY IN UT OF LADAKH

1850. SHRI JAMYANG TSERING NAMGYAL:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that ageing narrow infrastructure, road congestion,  growth  in  heavy  vehicle  traffic  and  insufficient  maintenance etc.  have  rendered  the  road  transport  system  inefficient  in  the  Union Territory of Ladakh especially towards the border areas;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto;
- (c) whether research and development efforts are needed in theme areas such as development of smart materials, innovative design and maintenance technologies in view of geoclimatic conditions of Ladakh;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and (e) the steps taken by the Government to meet the challenges of developing long-lasting and low-maintenance road to border areas of Ladakh to ensure connectivity around the year?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) & (b) Most of the road infrastructure in Ladakh has been developed by BRO as per strategic importance over period of time. Due to increase in tourism  in  the  region,  vehicular  traffic  has  increased  manifold  rendering certain roads not capable of taking on the increased traffic.  To overcome this,  following  roads  &  tunnels  are  under  upgradation  to  NHDL/NHSL specifications from existing Cl-9/Cl-5 specifications:

1. Sumdo-Photoksar-Yalchung (Cl -5 to NHSL)
2. Wangle-Fangi La-Sumdo (Cl-5 to NHSL)
3. Sanku-Kunnore-Sapi La-Mulbek (Cl-9 to NHDL)
4. Leh-Upsi-Sarchu (Cl-9 to NHDL)
5. Leh-Loma (Cl-9 to NHDL)
6. Mahe-Debring (Cl-5 to NHSL)
7. Karu-Tangtse ICl-9 to NHDL)
8. Leh-Chalunka ICI-9 to NHDL
9. Loma -Dungti (Cl-9 to NHDL)
10. Hanuthang-Handen Broke (Cl-9 to NHDL)
11. Turtuk-Zingpal (Cl-9 to NHDL)
12. Khaltse-Batalik (Cl-9 to NHDL)
13. Kargil-Dumgil (Cl-9 to NHDL)
14. Shyok-Agham- Khalsar (Cl-9 to NHDL)
15. Tangtse-Lukung (Cl-9 to NHDL)
16. Tunnel across Hamboting La pass (2.20 km) on road Khaltse-Kargil
17. Tunnel at Key La on road Zingral-KelaTso-Tangtse
18. Saser La-Saser Brangsa (NHSL)
19. Nimmu-Padam-Darcha (NHDL)
20. Chisumle-Demchok (Cl-9)
21. Loma-Hanle (Cl-9)
22. Phobrang-Marsimik -La(Cl-9)
23. Koyul-Phole-Chusmile-Zursar (Cl-9 through MHA funding)
24. Kargil-Zanskar (Sl/IL/gravel road to 2L with paved shoulder by NHIDCL)

(c)  &  (d)     BRO  has  undertaken  many  new  initiatives  to  speed  up  road construction.  BRO  has  taken  in  hand  execution  of  surfacing  works  with cementitious base/sub base in eastern Ladakh. BRO has constructed a 1400 ft span Permanent Bridge using micro piling in substructure at an altitude of 14500 ft in record 17 working months. In addition Geo-Web and Geo-Cell are being used extensively for surfacing and permanent works. (e) Following steps have been taken by the Govt. to meet the challenges of developing  long-lasting  and  low-maintenance  roads  to  border  areas  of

Ladakh to ensure connectivity around the year.

1. Interlocking blocks are being used in mountain passes to provide  good riding surface in all weather.
2. Geo cells are also being used in surfacing in various stretches.
3. Tunnels i.e., Tanglanla, Shinkunla, Lachungla are also being planned to further improve the connectivity in the region for which DPRs are under progress.

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