Kargil, July 28: On his maiden visit to Kargil after assuming charge, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today e-inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for developmental projects worth Rs 180.24 crores during a special event organized by the District Administration at Auditorium Hall, Kargil.
Among the key projects were the foundation stone for a 300-metre double-lane motorable bridge with pedestrian pathways over the Suru River (Rs 76.10 crore), a 25 m span motorable bridge from Shakardo to Zungthang (Rs 5.29 crore), a 30 m span steel plate girder bridge at Brakfos Ayet Hagnis (Rs 4.80 crore) and a steel motorable bridge over River Lungnak at Testa Lungnak (Rs 4.39 crore).
Additional projects included construction and upgradation of the link road from NH-301 to Khows Namsuru (Rs 24.04 crore), widening of Namsuru-Tangole Road (Rs 38.42 crore), an irrigation canal from Paldar Takpo to Tashi Stongday (Rs 7.70 crore), and the installation of 50 solar submersible irrigation pumps (Rs 19.50 crore).
Addressing the gathering, Kavinder said these virtual inaugurations and foundation stones reflect Kargil’s trajectory towards sustainable development. He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people, and highlighted that infrastructure development, especially road and air connectivity, would remain his administration’s top priority. Emphasizing the significance of the Zoji la Tunnel, he termed its upcoming opening as a “gamechanger” for all-weather connectivity to the region. He also revealed that the UT administration is in talks with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for the operation of civilian flights at Kargil Airport.
Later, the LG held introductory meetings with Councillors of the LAHDC Kargil and Heads of Departments (HoDs). During the meetings, Chairman/CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and other Councillors raised pressing demands such as district status for Sankoo and Shakar-Chiktan, making Hill Council funds non-lapsable, urgent recruitment drives for youth, operationalization of the Engineering College, and implementation of a tourism policy.
MP Ladakh Mohd. Haneefa Jan also reiterated the long-standing demand for the extension of Kargil Airport and the resumption of commercial flights.
In a separate interaction with department heads, LG Gupta emphasized timely completion of ongoing projects and the broader implementation of centrally sponsored schemes such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’. He also called for intensified action by Ladakh Police to curb NDPS-related cases.
The event concluded with presentations by DC Kargil Rakesh Kumar and SSP Kargil Shree Raam R, showcasing the district’s developmental achievements and law and order status.
