Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on July 20 laid the foundation stones for the Burma–Sumoor Motorable Bridge and the Tongsted Motorable Bridge over the Siachen River during his maiden visit to Nubra district on July 20.

Once completed, the Burma–Sumoor Bridge will reduce the travel distance between Sumoor and the villages of Burma, Charasa, Kuri and Murgi from nearly 70 kilometres to just 500 metres, significantly cutting travel time and improving access to healthcare, education, markets, government services and the district headquarters at Diskit. The Tongsted Bridge will similarly provide reliable all-weather connectivity to several remote villages, improving access to essential services.

The projects are being executed under the Special Development Package (SDP) of the UT Administration and are expected to transform connectivity in Ladakh's border region.

The Burma–Sumoor Bridge Project, sanctioned at ₹64.10 crore, includes the construction of 470 metres of bridges at three locations, a 2.5-kilometre approach road, and six RCC culverts. The project will directly benefit around 848 residents while improving transportation of agricultural produce and promoting tourism, trade and local livelihoods.

The Tongsted Bridge Project, sanctioned at ₹19.29 crore, involves the construction of a 160-metre Steel Plate Girder Bridge over the Siachen River. Designed for the harsh high-altitude environment, it will provide year-round connectivity to the villages of Tongsted, Yarma Gonbo, Dongsa, Nungsted, Henachy, Changlung and Sasoma, benefiting more than 500 residents. The bridge will also improve access to Yarma Gonbo, an important religious and cultural centre in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said it was a privilege to visit the scenic Nubra Valley for the first time and dedicate two transformative infrastructure projects to its people. Congratulating the residents, he said the projects reflected the Administration's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and ensuring balanced development in Ladakh's border areas.

The Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ladakh has witnessed unprecedented infrastructure development since becoming a Union Territory. He noted that continuous investments in roads, bridges and strategic connectivity have significantly improved access to remote border villages and enhanced the quality of life for residents.

Describing the bridges as more than engineering structures, Saxena said they would serve as lifelines by reducing travel distances, connecting communities with opportunities, strengthening border infrastructure and creating new avenues for agriculture, tourism and economic growth across Nubra Valley.

He observed that while the rivers of Nubra sustain agriculture, horticulture and local livelihoods, they often become barriers during floods and adverse weather. The construction of these all-weather bridges, he said, will ensure safe and uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year, making travel easier for residents of remote villages.

Highlighting Nubra's immense tourism potential, the Lieutenant Governor said improved road and bridge infrastructure would attract more visitors, generate employment for local youth through homestays, transport, handicrafts and adventure tourism, and stimulate the region's economy.

Describing the projects as investments in the future of Nubra, Saxena said they would strengthen connectivity, promote economic growth, support social development and improve the overall well-being of the people living in the valley.