A delegation of public representatives from Ladakh, led by former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, met Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of the Border Roads Organization (BRO), at Seema Sadak Bhawan on February 6. They discussed critical road and infrastructure needs in Ladakh, stressing the urgency of pending projects and the necessity of strategic tunnel construction to enhance connectivity and national security.

The delegation included Councillor Aga Syed Ali Almusavi (LAHDC Kargil), former Councillor Tsering Paldan (LAHDC Leh), and Nawang Dorjay Lungdo, representing the Tharuk Villagers Community. They collectively emphasized the need for immediate intervention in key infrastructure projects crucial for both civilian and military movement. A delegation led by Tsering Paldan and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal submitted an urgent appeal for the sanction of funds to improve the 30 km stretch of the Upshi-Gya Road on the Leh-Manali Highway. Citing its deteriorating condition as a major risk to civilians, tourists, and defense personnel, they emphasized that despite multiple requests over the past four years, the project remains stalled at the central level. The delegation strongly urged the Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (DG BRO) to expedite approval and funding to ensure safer and more efficient connectivity.

Councillor Aga Syed Ali Almusavi and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also submitted a memorandum advocating for the construction of a strategic tunnel from Farona (Lasar La) to Drass. The proposed tunnel aims to:
•    Strengthen national security by creating a 45 km buffer zone and enabling rapid troop movement.
•    Ensure all-weather connectivity, reducing travel time by an hour and improving both civilian and military logistics.
•    Boost hydroelectric power generation, adding 8 MW to support the Chutuk Hydroelectric Project.
•    Foster economic growth, promoting regional development and tourism.

Recognizing the tunnel’s strategic importance for Ladakh’s security and development, the delegation urged the DG BRO to conduct feasibility studies and fast-track approvals for the project.

Another key demand was the expedited construction of the Kela Tunnel at Changla, which is crucial for ensuring all-weather access to strategic areas. Representing the Tharuk Villagers’ Community, Nawang Dorjay expressed gratitude to the Modi government and BRO for their commitment to making this long-awaited project a reality.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also raised broader BRO-related concerns, emphasizing the need for the earliest completion of:
•    Blacktopping of the Nimoo-Padum Road
•    Construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel
•    Development of the Korzok-Spiti Road
•    Concerns regarding civilian labor involved in BRO projects

The former MP further commended BRO’s exceptional efforts, particularly the contributions of Project Vijayak, Project Himank, and Project Yojak in enhancing Ladakh’s connectivity. He expressed appreciation for key accomplishments, including:
•    Successful construction of the Nyoma-Mudh airfield
•    Enhancement of the Leh-Pangong, Leh-Hanle, and Leh-Turtuk roads
•    Paving of Khardung La and Changla roads
•    Completion of the Umling La road
•    Widening of the Kargil-Batalik road via Hambuting La Pass
•    Expansion of the Khalsi-Gurgurdo road

Following detailed discussions, the DG BRO assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed at the earliest, with concrete actions to expedite approvals, funding, and execution of these crucial projects.