The Centre has approved construction of the Leh Bypass in the Union Territory of Ladakh at a cost of ₹990.51 crore, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, 8 July.
In a statement on X, Gadkari said the project will be developed along the Southern Alignment as a two-lane highway with paved shoulders.
The bypass will extend from NH-01 near Phyang Village, close to the HPCL plant, to Upshi on the Leh-Manali Highway, NH-03.
The project is aimed at easing congestion within Leh by diverting through traffic away from the town.
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“In the Union Territory of Ladakh, we have approved the construction of the Leh Bypass (Southern Alignment) at a cost of ₹990.51 crore. The project entails the development of a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders, extending from NH-01 near Phyang Village (HPCL Plant) to Upshi on the Leh-Manali Highway (NH-03),” Gadkari said.
According to Gadkari, the bypass will also create an alternative corridor connecting NH-01 and NH-03, two important road links in the Ladakh region.
The minister said the project will support faster, safer and more efficient movement of vehicles.
The Leh Bypass is expected to improve regional connectivity and road safety, particularly by separating long-distance and through traffic from local urban movement in Leh.
The project is also expected to support Ladakh’s long-term economic and tourism potential by improving road access on a key corridor linked to the Leh-Manali route.
“This strategically significant infrastructure project will ease congestion within Leh by diverting through traffic, establish a high-quality alternative corridor linking NH-01 and NH-03, and facilitate faster, safer, and more efficient vehicular movement,” Gadkari said.
“It will further strengthen regional connectivity, enhance road safety, and support the region’s long-term economic and tourism potential,” he added.
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