The Government has prepared a proposal for the construction of the Paddar-Zanskar road, which will establish an additional connection between Jammu and Ladakh. This project aims to enhance tourism, bolster local economies, and facilitate the movement of troops to the China and Pakistan borders in Ladakh.

Officials indicated that the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways is expected to undertake the project after conducting a detailed study of its route. The road’s construction was initially announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a public rally in Paddar in September last year.

The drafted proposal is being forwarded to the Ministry for a comprehensive evaluation, including a proposed route and the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), before construction begins. Two potential routes have been suggested: a 45-kilometre route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machhil-Soomchan-Zongkhulm and an 80-kilometer route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Dangail-Pot La-Bardhan/Haftal, directly connecting Ladakh to Jammu.

Currently, Ladakh is connected to Jammu via Srinagar, but the Srinagar-Leh National Highway is closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall. To address this, the Zojila tunnel is under construction, which will transform the highway into an all-weather route. Ladakh is also connected to Himachal Pradesh through the Manali-Leh road, but this route is operational only in fair weather. In contrast, the Paddar-Zanskar road is designed to function as an all-weather connection once completed.

A Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line has also been proposed as part of broader infrastructure development. Presently, troop movements are hindered by the winter closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway. However, the completion of the Zojila tunnel and the Paddar-Zanskar road will streamline troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Kargil.

Officials emphasised that the Paddar-Zanskar road would play a dual role by strengthening national security at India’s borders while rejuvenating cultural ties, promoting tourism, and supporting the local economies. This road, beyond being an infrastructural project, is considered a transformative lifeline that will significantly improve connectivity between Ladakh, the Paddar region in Jammu, and the Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

The route will also provide a safer alternative through Paddar Sub-Division, avoiding areas prone to anti-national activities. As part of the broader development strategy, a 31-kilometer road from Paddar to Lossani Machail has already been sanctioned. Officials suggested that the most practical and cost-effective solution would involve constructing an 8-kilometer tunnel from Lossani to Dangail via Dharlong Nallah and Chamo Chohar, directly linking Zanskar in Ladakh.