Ladakh witnesses major boost in road connectivity post UT status

New Delhi/Srinagar, Aug 05:  The Union Territory of Ladakh has seen a significant transformation in road infrastructure since its reorganisation in 2019, the Government of India informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Responding to a Starred Question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai highlighted major developments in road connectivity, especially in remote and snowbound areas of the UT.According to the Ministry, nearly 1,670 kilometers of additional roads have been constructed, blacktopped, or metalled in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory. These works have been carried out under various Central and UT-specific schemes, including the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).To maintain year-round connectivity—especially during harsh winters—the administration has strengthened its fleet of snow clearance machinery. Additionally, helipads have been constructed across various remote locations, ensuring access to key areas even when roads are blocked by snow.This infrastructure overhaul has had a direct and positive impact on the tourism sector in Ladakh. The improved road connectivity has not only reduced travel time and ensured safer travel but also opened up new tourist destinations, enhanced winter tourism, and attracted adventure tourists in large numbers.Official figures show that the region has witnessed a steady surge in tourist footfall since becoming a UT. While 2.79 lakh tourists visited Ladakh in 2019, the number jumped to 5.31 lakh in 2022, followed by 5.25 lakh in 2023, and 3.76 lakh in 2024.The government asserts that these developments are part of a broader vision to promote sustainable development and improve quality of life in Ladakh’s remote regions.