Administrative Secretary reviews Progress of Tourism Infrastructure Projects
under SDP and State Sector Schemes
16/07/2026
Leh, July 15 (KIP)- Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Himanshu Gupta, UT Ladakh, chaired a review meeting to assess the financial and physical progress of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects being implemented under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector Schemes during the first quarter of the financial year 2026–27.
At the outset, Secretary, Tourism Department, Sanjeet Rodrigues, presented a detailed overview of the department's expenditure and project implementation status. He informed the meeting that against the approved SDP outlay of ₹5,825.63 lakh for 2026–27, an expenditure of ₹2,043.68 lakh had been incurred, accounting for 35.08 percent utilization, while ₹3,781.95 lakh remained available. The presentation also covered DDO-wise expenditure, agency-wise implementation, object head-wise financial details, and the progress of works under various executing agencies.
The Administrative Secretary undertook a project-wise review of major tourism infrastructure works across the Union Territory. These included the construction of the Tourist Pilgrimage Gathering Hall at Kobet Gompa, development of the Leh Convention Centre, infrastructure development at the Public Park, development of tourism assets at Naushara, construction of cafeterias with public conveniences, electrification of tourism facilities, development of infrastructure for the proposed Maha Sindhu Kumbh Mela along the Indus riverfront, Silk Route and Balti Bazaar development in Kargil, Zanskar Auditorium, Kargil Convention Centre, Petroglyph Park, restoration of Photang, construction of a public convenience and café at the Batalik War Memorial, development of the Cultural Centre at Leh, and various projects pertaining to the Department of Libraries, Arts and Culture.
During the review, the Administrative Secretary closely examined the physical progress, financial expenditure, timelines, tendering status, revised project costs, and fund utilization of each project. He sought updates on pending works, project milestones, contractor performance, and reasons for delays wherever observed. He directed the executing agencies to expedite works that had recorded slow progress and stressed the need to complete all projects within the stipulated timelines.
While reviewing infrastructure projects, he emphasized the importance of creating durable, high-quality tourism assets that meet prescribed standards. He instructed the concerned officers to ensure proper planning, quality construction, and timely execution while avoiding unnecessary cost escalations. He also called for strict monitoring of projects requiring revised administrative approvals or reallocation of funds to facilitate their early completion.
Reviewing the proposal for cafeterias and tourism amenities, the Administrative Secretary directed the Tourism Department to explore innovative models, including public participation and entrepreneurship, to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of such facilities. He instructed the department to expedite the tendering process for pending projects and complete all necessary formalities within the prescribed timelines.
The meeting also deliberated on strengthening tourism infrastructure through improved visitor facilities, CCTV surveillance at key tourist locations, parking management, maintenance of major tourist destinations including Shanti Stupa, preservation of monasteries, and enhancement of pilgrimage and heritage tourism across Ladakh.
While reviewing the status of the Petroglyph Park, Secretary Tourism informed the meeting that the project is progressing satisfactorily and is expected to be inaugurated by September 2026, subject to the availability of the remaining funds.
The Administrative Secretary further reviewed issues related to GST, project handover procedures, inter-departmental approvals, and execution by implementing agencies.
He advised the Tourism Department to place all policy-level issues requiring administrative decisions before the competent authority to ensure timely resolution.
Emphasising effective coordination, the Administrative Secretary directed all executing agencies and line departments to work in close collaboration to remove implementation bottlenecks, ensure optimum utilisation of available funds, and achieve the targeted physical and financial progress during the current financial year. He reiterated that regular monitoring, timely tendering, adherence to quality standards, and coordinated efforts are essential for strengthening tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism development in the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Tourism Department, Sanjeet Rodrigues; Director Tourism, Tsering Paldan; Chief Planning Officer, Konchok Gyalson; Joint Director, Planning, Tsering Angdus; Executive Engineers, Assistant Directors, and other concerned officers.