In a major push to improve road connectivity in Ladakh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved a tunnel project worth ₹1,196.22 crore at Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1. The announcement was made by the minister on Friday, 27th March, through his official X handle.
The project will be constructed as a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel with approach roads. The construction of this tunnel is intended to facilitate smooth, uninterrupted connectivity along the important Uri-Srinagar-Leh highway.
Fotu La Pass is situated at an altitude of over 4,100 meters and is one of the most challenging stretches of NH-1. In the winter, the stretch is usually affected by heavy snowfall and ice cover.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Gadkari said, “In the Union Territory of Ladakh, we have approved Rs 1,196.22 crore for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel, along with approach roads, across Fotu La Pass on National Highway 1.” He added that the highway passes through Fotu La at around 4,108 metres, making it the highest point on the route.
📢Ladakh🛣️
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 27, 2026
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, we have approved ₹1196.22 crore for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel, along with approach roads, across Fotu La Pass on National Highway 1.
NH-01 (Uri–Srinagar–Leh) traverses Fotu La at an altitude of…
Project details and expected benefits
The total length of the project is about 2.65 kilometres. This includes the tunnel itself, which is about 1.96 kilometres, and the approach roads, which are about 0.69 kilometres. Upon completion, the tunnel is expected to reduce the travel distance by about 8.5 kilometres.
The existing road stretch has been described by Gadkari as having “steep gradients, multiple hairpin bends, and frequent winter closures due to heavy snowfall and icing.” However, the tunnel project is expected to solve all these problems, making the travel experience much safer and quicker.
“To address these challenges, the tunnel project… will ensure safer, all-weather connectivity. Once completed, it will reduce travel distance by 8.5 km, delivering significant strategic and logistical benefits,” he said.
Leaders welcome the move
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena welcomed the decision and thanked the Union Minister. “This project will significantly boost road infrastructure and tourism in Ladakh,” he said.
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Haneefa, also expressed his gratitude. He said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for approving the Rs 1,196.22 crore Fotu La tunnel project… Under your leadership, India’s road infrastructure has witnessed remarkable progress.”
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support, saying the project will ensure safer travel and bring major benefits to the people of Ladakh.
