Shah announces Padar-Zanskar highway – Daily Excelsior

Former Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal expressed deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Ladakh, especially the residents of Zanskar and the Padar-Panj valley to Amit Shah for making the important announcement of the construction of the much-awaited Padar-Zanskar road.

“The Padar-Zanskar road is more than just an infrastructure project, it is a lifeline that will transform connectivity between the regions of Ladakh and Padar, extending to the Panjang Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Besides enhancing connectivity there, the road will also play a key role in strengthening national security along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, which have witnessed multiple conflicts over the years, including the wars of 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999, and the 2020 Kalwan conflict.

Moreover, it will breathe new life into the cultural and historical ties between these regions, unlocking huge tourism potential and economic growth for Ladakh, Padar and Panjang,” a statement said.
During the parliamentary session on December 21, 2022, Namgyal actively raised the need for the construction of this road and proposed two potential routes for its construction, 45 km via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Soomchan-Zongkhul and 80 km via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Dangail-Pot La-Bardan/Haftal, directly connecting Ladakh and Jammu.
“Once completed, the road will serve as the shortest link between the Northern Command and the Pathankot Air Force and Military Station, reducing the current distance by about 150 km.

Historically, the route has strategic importance as it was used by the famous Dogra General Zorawar Singh during the Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Tibet campaigns in the 1930s. In addition, the road will provide a safer and more secure route through the Padar division, bypassing areas prone to anti-national activities,” the statement said.
As part of this wider development plan, Namgyal noted during his recent visit to the Padar Valley that a 31-km road from Padar block headquarters to Losani Machar Padar has been sanctioned under PMGSY Phase I and II at a budget of Rs 46.42 crore. A proposed 8-km tunnel from Losani to Dhangair via Dalonala and Chamojohar will further enhance connectivity, connecting Padar directly to Zanskar in Ladakh.

“The project is not only critical for national security but also for the socio-economic uplift of the region. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate tourism, revitalize the local economy, and promote a deeper sense of solidarity among the people of Padar, Panj and Ladakh. We express our sincere gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and the Modi government for their unwavering commitment to progress and security of our region,” Namgyal said.