Kargil/ Jan. 02: General Manager, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Bipin Kumar Chand called on the CEC Kargil. The meeting held at Council Secretariat here today.

Executive Councilors Mubarak Shah Nagvi, Er Phunsog Tashi besides other concerned officers were present during the meeting.

During the meeting, CEC Feroz Khan applauded the efforts of NHIDCL for initiating work on the construction of the long-pending Zojila Tunnel. He also inquired about the current status of work on the construction of the tunnel.

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Various issues regarding the development of road infrastructure in the district came up for discussion. Joint ventures for Ladakh based contractors in the works tendered by NHIDCL as a special gesture towards providing opportunity to local contractors, exemption of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), early tendering and execution of the newly entrusted works on Kargil-Zanskar Road (NH 301), undertaking of proper survey in Padum Town with regard to realignment excluding Buddhist Mane walls, maintenance of road by ditch filling , deployment of Work Supervisors and machinery such as dozers and snow cutters on Kargil-Zanskar Road, deputation of local Engineers from PWD to NHIDCL as supporting staff keeping in view their expertise and knowledge of the local terrain besides other related issues came up for thorough discussion during the meeting.

General Manager, NHIDCL informed the CEC that blasting work is in progress at the Zojila Tunnel. He informed that the draft DPRs regarding Shinkula Tunnel has submitted to the higher authorities. Their aim is to start work on the ground in the month of May-June 2021, informed the GM.

Mr Bipin sought cooperation from the LAHDC in the resolution of land issues in the two lanning of the Kargil-Zanskar Highway.

Meanwhile, EC Zanskar Affairs Er Phunsog Tashi urged for re-alignment along the NH-301 on certain points which are avalanche prone. While EC Works Mubarak Shah Nagvi assured NHIDCL for continued cooperation on the Zojila Tunnel and all other projects. CEC Kargil while appreciating the works of NHIDCL urge to engage locals for employment in their projects wherever feasible.