Ladakh signs MoU with BRO for upgradation of road network

According to an official spokesperson, “This initiative will ensure the overall development of Ladakh in the long run. It will further enrich the relationship and coordination between BRO and UT Ladakh.” He said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Chief Engineer, Project HIMANK, Brig Arvinder Singh, Chief Engineer Project VIJAYAK Brig Ashish Gambhir; and Chief Engineer, Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Ladakh P C Tanoch at the UT secretariat here on Friday in the presence of Principal Secretary Pawan Kotwal and Director-General BRO Lt General Rajeev Chaudhary.

Commissioner Secretary, PW(R&B), Ajeet Kumar Sahu, who was also present, said the BRO has agreed to upgrade the roads on fast track mode for which funding would be provided by the UT administration. With the completion of road construction projects, the overall economy of the region would get a boost, especially in the tourism industry, the spokesman said, adding that it would also ensure the safety of local people as well as tourists besides reducing distance and increasing tourist influx.

Ladakh is a mountainous region in the Himalayas that is part of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Legend has it that some Ladakhis are the direct descendants of Alexander’s army who reportedly stayed back after he abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC, thus one could notice diverse facial features among the local Ladakhis.