Kargil, March 27/ VOL News Desk/ The Centre Government has approved ₹1,196.22 crore for the Union Territory of Ladakh for construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel, along with approach roads, across the iconic Fotu La Pass on National Highway 1 (NH-01), announced the Minister of Road, Transport and Highways of India, Mr. Nitin Gadkari in a post on X.

NH-01, which connects Uri to Srinagar and Leh, reaches its highest point at Fotu La, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,108 metres. This stretch serves as a critical strategic corridor and the primary supply lifeline to Ladakh. However, the existing alignment is plagued by steep gradients, multiple hairpin bends, and frequent winter closures caused by heavy snowfall and dangerous icing conditions.

To overcome these long-standing challenges, the new tunnel project will feature a total length of 2.65 km, comprising a 1.96 km twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 km of approach roads. Once completed, the infrastructure will provide safe, reliable, all-weather connectivity, significantly enhancing mobility along this vital axis.

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The project is also expected to deliver substantial operational efficiencies by reducing the travel distance by 8.5 km, thereby generating major strategic and logistical benefits for both civilian and defence requirements in the region.

Ashiq Hussain Mir ashiqhussainmirmir16677@gmail.com