Calls for Circular Route Design to Enhance Connectivity & Efficiency

Leh, February 21, 2025: The Managing Director of Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, to evaluate the operational performance of public transport, review ongoing projects, and plan future developments.

At the meeting’s outset, Senior Manager, SIDCO, presented a detailed report on the current operation of diesel and electric buses across UT Ladakh. It was highlighted that the region operates a fleet of 19 diesel and 19 electric buses covering various routes.

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To ensure wider accessibility and efficient operations, MD SIDCO directed officials to design circular routes with a well-structured timetable. This initiative aims to optimize public transport coverage, benefiting the maximum population across Ladakh. Emphasizing the need for revenue generation in the transport sector, he urged officials to develop a sustainable circular route model to enhance connectivity and resource utilization.

Highlighting the importance of hydrogen buses, the MD instructed officials to address existing operational challenges and designate specific routes for hydrogen-powered buses. This initiative is expected to increase ridership and boost tourism, especially during peak seasons.

To further promote eco-friendly transportation, it was decided that dedicated e-buses and hydrogen buses would be introduced for tourist routes, ensuring seamless connectivity to key destinations. The MD stressed the need for well-planned routes and schedules to enhance tourist convenience while strengthening SIDCO’s financial position and contribution to Ladakh’s economic development.

The meeting also focused on resolving critical transport-related issues, including insurance, road tax, vehicle registration, and fitness certification. The MD emphasized that no bus should operate in Ladakh without proper documentation and called for strict compliance with transport regulations. He also instructed officials to establish a robust monitoring mechanism for improved coordination and overall efficiency in the transport sector.

MD SIDCO further directed officials to expedite loan disbursement to eligible beneficiaries to support entrepreneurs, businesses, and stakeholders engaged in infrastructure and economic development projects in Ladakh.

The review meeting was attended by Sonam Nurboo, Senior Manager, SIDCO; Er Tashi Namgyal, Executive Engineer, SIDCO; Dr. Owais Qadir Jaan, Accounts Officer, SIDCO; Stanzin Pasang, District Manager, ST/SC/BC; Other concerned officials of SIDCO. Additionally, ARTO Leh, Inzar Ahmad Rana, and Traffic Manager, SIDCO, Er Mohd Hussain, joined the meeting virtually.