Pankaj JainNew Delhi, March 27 -- union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced the approval of a Rs 1,196.22 crore-unidirectional twin-tube tunnel across Fotu La Pass in the union Territory of Ladakh.
The proposed project will be developed along National Highway-01 (Uri-Srinagar-Leh), which passes through Fotu La at an altitude of around 4,108 metres, making it the highest point on the strategic highway.
Highlighting the significance of the route, Gadkari said NH-01 serves as a crucial lifeline and primary supply corridor to Ladakh.
However, the existing stretch is marked by steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends, and frequently faces closure during winters due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions....