New Delhi, Aug 5: Road connectivity in Ladakh has seen a substantial expansion since its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019, with the administration constructing, black-topping about 1,670 kilometres of additional roads under various Central and UT schemes, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed Parliament on Tuesday.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, said the new roads were built through schemes such as the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and UT-administered projects.
To maintain links with remote areas during harsh winters, Ladakh has been equipped with snow clearance machinery aimed at keeping routes operational during heavy snowfall.
In addition, helipads have been constructed at various locations to ensure emergency and alternative connectivity when road travel becomes challenging.
The improved infrastructure, Rai said, has significantly boosted the region’s tourism sector by reducing travel times, enabling safe and efficient year-round travel and opening new destinations to visitors. This has also enhanced winter tourism and attracted adventure travellers.
Official data shows tourist arrivals in Ladakh have risen sharply since the UT’s formation. While 2,79,937 visitors came to the region in 2019, the figure almost doubled in 2022 with 5,31,396 tourists.
In 2023, Ladakh received 5,25,374 visitors, and in 2024, 3,76,386 tourists travelled to the region despite weather-related disruptions.
The Ministry noted that the combination of road connectivity upgrades and targeted tourism initiatives has played a key role in driving these numbers. The developments have also had a broader impact on local economic activity by facilitating movement of goods and improving access to services. (KNO)
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