Ladakh A Model Of Rapid Transformation Since 2019: Shah

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Ladakh has emerged as a model of rapid transformation since the 2019 bifurcation of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir, listing wide-ranging political, social and economic changes in the Union Territory.

He said the region has remained at the centre of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's development agenda, adding that visible progress has been achieved across sectors after Ladakh was granted Union Territory status.

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His remarks come amid renewed calls by local groups, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, for resumption of dialogue with the Centre on statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.

“Ladakh had long demanded Union Territory status due to lack of development. Today, change is visible across sectors,” Shah said.

Infrastructure Sees Sharp Expansion

Highlighting infrastructure gains, Shah said road length in Ladakh has increased from around 1,799 km before 2019 to over 4,040 km now, nearly doubling in a few years.

Read Also Ladakh a Living Land of Dharma for Centuries: Amit Shah Amit Shah Inaugurates Exposition of Buddha Relics in Leh

He said the number of bridges has risen from 19 to 72, while mobile towers have increased from 344 to 653. Helipads, he added, have gone up from seven to 41, significantly improving connectivity in remote areas.

Snow-clearing machines, crucial for the high-altitude region, have increased from 60 to 215, ensuring better winter mobility

Connectivity, Power and Mega Projects

Shah said improved infrastructure has reduced road closure days on key routes. Zojila Pass, which earlier remained shut for 127 days, was closed for only 19 days this year, while the Kargil-Leh road saw closure reduced from 175 days to just 11.

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He said work on the Zojila tunnel is underway, construction of the Shinkun La tunnel has begun, and a new civil airport is also in the pipeline.

On power infrastructure, he said grid-related works have increased from 145 to 184, while distribution transformers have risen from 1,182 to 3,153. VSAT connectivity, he added, has been extended to all panchayats.

Governance, Education and Welfare

Shah said Ladakh now has seven districts and 193 panchayats, with five new districts created after 2019. He also noted that local languages including Bhoti, Purgi and Urdu have been given administrative recognition alongside Hindi and English.

In the education sector, he said Sindhu Central University has been established, along with 174 ICT labs, 130 smart classrooms, 40 science labs and 24 Atal Tinkering Labs.

He claimed Ladakh became a fully literate administrative unit in 2024 and said nearly 98 per cent households have been provided tap water under the Har Ghar Jal scheme.

Budget Boost, Push for Self-Reliance

The Home Minister said Ladakh's budget has increased from around ₹1,000 crore before 2019 to ₹6,000 crore now.

He also announced the formation of the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation to promote industrial growth, asserting that the goal is to make the border region self-reliant.

“Historic Reunion” of Buddha Relics

Earlier in Leh, Shah inaugurated the exposition of sacred relics of Tathagata Buddha and described their return to Ladakh after 75 years as a“historic reunion”.

He called Ladakh a“living land of dharma” that preserved Buddhist knowledge through centuries and stressed that the message of peace and compassion remains highly relevant today.

“Amid conflict and unrest, only the path of peace can provide solutions,” he said.

Dairy Sector Growth, Local Push

Addressing another gathering, Shah said India's dairy sector has seen a major transformation since 2014, with milk production rising by nearly 70 per cent.

He laid the foundation stone of a 10,000 litres-per-day dairy plant in Kargil and launched several initiatives aimed at boosting milk production and rural livelihoods.

He said cooperative-based development, along with sectors like organic farming and honey production, would strengthen Ladakh's rural economy.

Tribute to People of Ladakh

Praising the people of Ladakh and Kargil, Shah said they have played a crucial role in safeguarding the country's borders.

“Whenever danger came, the people of Ladakh stood in defence of the nation even before the Army reached,” he said, adding that their contribution is recognised across the country.

He expressed confidence that continued focus on infrastructure, welfare and cooperative development would drive Ladakh towards sustained growth and stability.

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