Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on July 21 inaugurated the ₹27.18-crore Udmaroo Bridge over the Shayok River in Nubra district, marking another significant milestone in strengthening road infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

The strategically important bridge will reduce the travel distance between Udmaroo and Hundri villages, as well as Terchey and Skuru villages, by nearly 35 kilometres, significantly cutting travel time and ensuring seamless all-weather connectivity. It will also improve access to Sham Gombo (Yarma Gonbo), a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, thereby promoting religious tourism and supporting socio-economic development in Nubra.

Constructed under the Special Development Package (SDP) of the UT Administration, the bridge is a modern three-span (3×80-metre) truss system bridge with a 70R loading capacity and around 230 metres of approach roads. The project is expected to directly benefit nearly 1,000 residents of the surrounding villages by making travel safer, faster and more reliable throughout the year, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the inauguration of the Udmaroo Bridge as another landmark in Nubra's development journey. He said that in Ladakh, infrastructure is measured not merely in terms of concrete and steel but by the opportunities it creates and the ease it brings to people's daily lives.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are transforming connectivity across even the remotest border areas. Our objective is not merely to build infrastructure, but to ensure that every citizen has access to better opportunities, quality public services and a brighter future," L-G Saxena said.

He noted that the bridge would provide uninterrupted year-round access to Sham Gombo, making travel easier for pilgrims, tourists and local residents. The improved connectivity is expected to boost religious tourism and generate livelihood opportunities for local youth through homestays, transport services, handicrafts and other tourism-related activities.

The Lieutenant Governor said that projects such as the Udmaroo Bridge not only enhance accessibility but also contribute to inclusive development by strengthening agriculture, promoting tourism and improving the overall quality of life.

Describing the bridge as a symbol of development, resilience and progress, L-G Saxena congratulated all those associated with the successful completion of the project and reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to accelerating infrastructure development across Ladakh's border areas in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.