Managing Director, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), Chanchal Kumar met Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur on March 22 and discussed various technical challenges and issues faced by them in land acquisition and utility shifting on the Kargil-Zanskar Road and Zoji-la Tunnel.

LG Mathur appreciated NHIDCL for keeping the Kargil-Padum road open in the winter. He suggested NHIDCL to facilitate engagement of local contractors and to build their capacity.

Mathur also inquired about the process and technologies that can be used to construct roads in Ladakh during the winters. He also asked about the progress of work on the Zoji-la tunnel.

He suggested NHIDCL to register all its labourers on the national e-Shram portal and make labour camp areas zero wastage areas. Emphasising on the well-being of labourers, LG Mathur suggested defining standards in tender documents such as providing water for drinking, washing, cooking, bathing and toilet, providing accommodation (tents in summer and puff-insulated containers in winter).