The Union government has approved two major highway infrastructure projects in Gujarat and Ladakh aimed at improving capacity, safety and strategic connectivity, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in separate statements on social media.
In Gujarat, approval has been granted for the widening of the Kamrej-Chalthan section of National Highway-48 in Surat district.
The 13.875 Km stretch will be upgraded from a 4-lane carriageway to a 6-lane corridor at a cost of ₹686.15 crore, along with the construction of service roads on both sides.
The NH-48 corridor is among the busiest national highways in the country, carrying heavy commercial traffic due to the presence of major industrial hubs along the route.
“Approval has been granted for the upgradation of the Kamrej-Chalthan section (length 13.875 km) of National Highway-48 in Surat district of Gujarat to 6 lanes, along with the construction of service roads, at a cost of ₹686.15 crore,” Gadkari said in a statement on X on Saturday (28 March).
The project aims to significantly enhance corridor capacity by segregating long-distance and commercial traffic from local traffic.
Read also : NHAI awards ₹130.65 crore contract for flyovers, underpasses at Jaipur Bypass Junction on NH-48
This separation is expected to improve road safety and reduce travel time for commuters, while also supporting smoother freight movement in one of Gujarat’s key industrial belts.
In Ladakh, the government has approved a ₹1196.22 crore project for the construction of a unidirectional twin-tube tunnel across Fotu La Pass on National Highway-1, along with approach roads.
“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,” the minister said.
NH-01, which connects Uri, Srinagar and Leh, passes through Fotu La at an altitude of around 4,108 metres, making it the highest point along the highway. The route serves as a critical strategic corridor and the primary supply line to Ladakh.
However, the existing road features steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends, and remains frequently closed during winters due to heavy snowfall and icing.
The approved project includes a total length of 2.65 Km, comprising a 1.96 Km twin-tube tunnel and 0.69 Km of approach roads.
Once completed, the tunnel will reduce travel distance by 8.5 Km and provide safer, all-weather connectivity to the region.
The project is expected to deliver significant strategic and logistical benefits by ensuring uninterrupted access to Ladakh, particularly during harsh winter conditions.
