LEH: In a major infrastructure push for Ladakh, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced the approval of a ₹1,196.22 crore tunnel project across Fotu La Pass on National Highway-01, aimed at ensuring safer and all-weather connectivity to the Union Territory.
Sharing the update on social media, the minister said the project involves the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel along with approach roads at Fotu La, one of the most challenging and strategically significant stretches on the Srinagar–Leh highway.
Fotu La, situated at an altitude of around 4,108 metres, is the highest point on NH-01 (Uri–Srinagar–Leh) and serves as a critical lifeline for Ladakh, particularly for the movement of essential supplies and defence logistics. However, the existing road alignment is marked by steep gradients and sharp hairpin bends, making travel hazardous. The route also faces frequent disruptions during winter months due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
According to the details shared, the total project length will be 2.65 kilometres, including a 1.96-km twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 km of approach roads. Once completed, the tunnel will shorten the travel distance by approximately 8.5 kilometres, significantly reducing travel time and improving operational efficiency along the route.
Officials believe the project will not only enhance road safety and reliability but also provide a major strategic advantage by ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh throughout the year. The improved corridor is expected to benefit both civilian movement and defence operations in the region.
The approval comes as part of the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening border infrastructure and boosting connectivity in high-altitude and remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
