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  • By Umer Raina
  • Comments 0
  • 29 Mar 2026

1,196 Cr Fotu La tunnel approved to boost Ladakh connectivity: Gadkari

 

Kargil, Mar 28: The Government of India has approved Rs 1,196.22 crore for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel along with approach roads across Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1 (Uri–Srinagar–Leh highway), aimed at strengthening all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a post on X, said NH-01 traverses Fotu La at an altitude of approximately 4,108 metres in Ladakh, making it the highest point along the highway.

He noted that the stretch is a vital strategic corridor and the primary supply route to Ladakh but remains vulnerable to frequent winter closures due to heavy snowfall, icing, steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends.

The tunnel project will span a total length of 2.65 km, including a 1.96 km twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 km of approach roads.

Once completed, it is expected to reduce the travel distance by 8.5 km, ensuring safer, faster and more reliable connectivity while providing significant strategic and logistical benefits.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena has thanked Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways for supporting UT Ladakh. He said that the project would significantly boost the road connectivity.

The Member of Parliament Ladakh, Haneefa Jan has also extended gratitude to the Union Minister for approving the Fotu La tunnel project on NH-01 in Ladakh.

“Under your leadership, India’s road infrastructure has witnessed remarkable progress, and we are confident that this momentum will continue further. We also remain hopeful that many of our important and long-pending projects, vital for the development and welfare of the people of Ladakh, will be realized,” the MP said.

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support. “This project will ensure safer, all-weather connectivity and bring significant benefits to our people. Heartiest congratulations to the people of Ladakh on this important milestone,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP Ladakh Vice President Haji Anayat Ali has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister and Union Minister for approving the project

In a statement, Ali termed the tunnel a major milestone for Ladakh, stating that after the Zojila Tunnel, the Fotu La tunnel will further transform transportation on the crucial Srinagar–Leh highway.

He said the highway serves as the lifeline of Ladakh, but the Fotu La stretch has long posed challenges due to difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.

The tunnel, he added, will ensure safer and all-weather connectivity, benefiting both civilian movement and strategic operations, particularly between Kargil and Leh.

While appreciating the Centre’s focus on infrastructure development in border areas, Ali also urged the government to take up additional road projects in Ladakh, including the Panikhar–Pahalgam road and Hanuthang–Handanbroke–Zungpal–Turtuk road.

He said these projects would improve connectivity in remote areas, enhance mobility for residents, and boost tourism and economic opportunities in the region.

Ali expressed hope that under the leadership of Prime Minster and the guidance of Union Minister, Ladakh will continue to witness infrastructure development in the coming years.

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