Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary on May 23 inspected the ongoing Chilling–Kaya–Markha–Hankar Road project in Markha Valley, being executed under the State Development Plan (SDP). Spanning 39.85 kilometres, the project aims to strengthen connectivity and improve accessibility in the remote region.

During the inspection, the Secretary was informed that the project has been divided into two components. The first involves the upgradation of an existing 23-kilometre road stretch, while the remaining portion comprises the construction of a new road alignment.

Reviewing the progress on-site, officials apprised the Secretary that fair-weather road formation work has been completed up to 38 kilometres, marking significant progress in the project’s execution. The remaining works, including blacktopping (BT) and allied works, are scheduled for completion during the current working season.

Emphasising the importance of maintaining quality standards and adhering to execution timelines, Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary directed the concerned engineers and executing agencies to ensure the expeditious completion of the project in accordance with prescribed technical specifications and quality benchmarks.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved so far, the Secretary underscored the importance of road connectivity projects in enhancing accessibility and accelerating socio-economic development in the remote and far-flung areas of Markha Valley.

During the inspection, the Secretary was accompanied by Imran Khan, Superintending Engineer, PWD Circle Leh; Thinles Zangpo, Executive Engineer, Construction Division Leh; and Spalzes Dolma, Assistant Engineer, Construction Division Leh, along with Junior Engineers of the Construction Division and representatives of the executing contractor.