New Delhi, In a significant move, the central government has approved 29 road projects totaling ₹1,170.16 crore for Ladakh, aiming to enhance connectivity and spur economic activities. The projects include state highways, major roads, and district roads, with an additional ₹181.71 crore allocated for eight bridges under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme for FY 2023-24.
Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, emphasized that this initiative would contribute to the overall infrastructural development of Ladakh, particularly benefiting agriculture and tourism sectors. The projects are expected to improve connectivity to remote villages, fostering economic growth.
The CRIF scheme, initiated in Jammu and Kashmir in 2000-01, aims to develop and maintain national highways, state roads, rural roads, and railways. Gadkari highlighted previous commitments under the ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana,’ with ₹5.35 trillion approved for the development of 34,800 km of national highway corridors. As of November 2023, substantial progress has been made, with 26,418 km projects awarded and 15,045 km completed.
Despite the positive developments, the government has faced criticism following a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, revealing cost overruns in the construction of the Dwarka Expressway. Gadkari defended the project, stating that the cost of ₹18.5 crore per kilometer was justified given the complex nature of the project.
This move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster infrastructure and connectivity across the country.
