Leh, January 7, 2026: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra, today chaired a departmental review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) at Leh to assess progress, challenges, and future plans related to infrastructure development in the region.
During the meeting, Shri Michael M. D’Souza, Secretary (GAD/PWD–R&B), made a detailed presentation on the functioning and performance of the PWD, highlighting ongoing and proposed works under various centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes. The presentation covered initiatives under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Status of major strategic tunnel projects, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Special Development Package (SDP), and State Capex Budget.
It was informed that road and bridge projects worth approximately ₹2,896 crore are being executed under CRIF, along with additional bridge works approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The presentation also underscored the unique geographical and climatic challenges of Ladakh, including high-altitude terrain, extreme winters, a short working season, and ecological sensitivity, which significantly affect project execution.
The meeting reviewed the physical and financial progress under the State Capex Budget, reporting about 91 percent expenditure as of December 31, 2025. A total of 72 projects covering buildings, roads, and bridges, with an estimated cost of ₹288.32 crore, are under execution, with several works already completed. Progress under PMGSY was also assessed, noting that of the 196 schemes sanctioned under PMGSY-I to III, 137 have been completed, while PMGSY-IV is focused on providing connectivity to unconnected habitations under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
The discussion also covered works under the Special Development Package, financial expenditure of other departments under SDP, requirements of maintenance grants, the pending release of PMGSY-I funds from the Ministry of Rural Development, and the key achievements of the PWD (R&B) Department over the last five years.
The Mechanical Engineering Department presented an overview of its organizational structure, divisional setup in Leh and Kargil, availability of machinery division-wise, key achievements during 2025, and its vision, roles, and responsibilities in supporting infrastructure development across the UT.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for optimal utilization of the working season and explored possibilities of extending work during winter through better planning, technology adoption, and addressing labour-related issues. He reviewed the status and criteria of Class-A contractors, ongoing tenders, and under-construction projects, and directed the department to prepare a comprehensive digital road network map indicating covered and uncovered areas to improve connectivity planning.
He further instructed the department to move towards end-to-end digital processes, including contractor registration, tendering, payments, work codes, and geo-tagged photo monitoring, in coordination with the IT Department. The use of camera-based monitoring systems on major projects and the role of the technical section in overseeing ongoing works were also reviewed.
The Chief Secretary directed identification of unused government buildings for alternative purposes and sought an explanation regarding vacant posts in the department and delays in their advertisement.
The meeting was attended by Shri Michael M. D’Souza, Secretary (GAD/PWD–R&B), Er. Abdul Mutalib, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) PMGSY, Dr. Dorjey Gyatso, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle Leh, along with other senior engineers and departmental officials.
