Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra, during his one-day visit to Ladakh on March 23, held a press briefing in the presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, and BJP State President, Phunchok Stanzin, to share key highlights of the Union Budget 2025–26.

He emphasized that this year’s budget aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to make India a fully developed nation by its 100th year of independence.

Malhotra noted India's remarkable economic growth over the past decade, advancing from the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest, with the goal of reaching the 3rd position within the next four years. He highlighted major strides in poverty alleviation, citing that 25 crore people have been lifted above the poverty line.

Focusing on infrastructure and connectivity, the minister outlined the government’s significant investments, including the construction of 55,000 km of new national highways between 2014 and 2024. He stated that infrastructure development not only boosts GDP but also creates both direct and indirect employment. He further pointed out the rise in the number of airports from 72 to 152, and the electrification of over 90% of Indian Railways.

On the education front, Malhotra informed that 20 AIIMS institutes have been established, while the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23 and IIMs from 13 to 21. For skill development, the government has launched an on-ground skill internship program benefitting 1 crore students aged 21–24, based on set eligibility criteria.

Speaking specifically about Ladakh, the minister announced that the Union Territory has been allocated ₹4,692.15 crore in the 2025–26 Union Budget.
Since becoming a Union Territory in 2019, Ladakh has witnessed the implementation of several major central projects. Connectivity improvements have been significant, such as the reduction in travel distance to Zanskar from 470 km to 220 km, with three key bridges completed at a cost of approximately ₹60 crore.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Ladakh has received ₹288 crore to enhance road connectivity to remote villages, facilitating better access to markets for farmers. The Zojila Tunnel project, crucial for all-weather connectivity, has received ₹6,808.69 crore, while the Shinku La Tunnel has been allocated ₹1,200 crore for improved civilian and strategic access.

The Nimu-Padam-Darcha (NPD) road continues to be a major priority with ₹2,405 crore earmarked for its development. Additionally, the double laning of the Khaltsi-Batalik road is underway with a total project cost of ₹508.70 crore, along with several other highway and bridge projects across Ladakh. A further ₹361.31 crore has been allocated under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for critical connectivity improvements.

In terms of air infrastructure, ₹640 crore has been sanctioned for the Leh airport expansion project, including the construction of a new terminal building to enhance passenger and cargo services.

Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, ₹4.09 crore has been allocated to develop remote border settlements by improving basic amenities and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, ₹129.50 crore has been sanctioned under the Changthang Development Package, aimed at socio-economic upliftment of the region.

In the second session, Minister Malhotra participated in a public interaction along with Chairman/CEC Tashi Gyalson, Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors Stanzin Chosphel, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, and Ghulam Mehdi, Councillors, BJP State President Phunchok Stanzin, former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former CECs Gyal P Wangyal and Rigzin Spalbar, along with religious leaders, entrepreneurs, transport association members, hoteliers, and other stakeholders.

The dialogue focused on Ladakh’s development roadmap, covering infrastructure, employment, and social welfare schemes. Minister Malhotra reiterated the central government’s long-term commitment to Ladakh’s growth, especially in connectivity, infrastructure, and welfare, despite a reduction in budgetary allocation from ₹5,958 crore in 2024–25 to ₹4,692.15 crore for 2025–26.

During a Q&A session, attendees raised concerns regarding job creation, economic development, and regional equity. The minister responded to queries and reassured continued central support for inclusive and sustainable growth in Ladakh.

The event concluded with Minister Malhotra reaffirming the government's vision for a stronger, self-reliant India, ensuring equitable growth and prosperity for all regions, including Ladakh.