LEH, June 7: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a Rs 7.62 crore project for the comprehensive upgradation and beautification of Old Town Leh, aimed at preserving the area’s rich heritage while improving civic infrastructure and enhancing the experience of residents and visitors.
According to an official spokesperson, the project envisages the construction of a multipurpose trench and common utility duct for underground placement of electric cables, sewerage lines, water supply networks and communication cables. It also includes the development of public amenities and beautification works around the historic Leh Palace and adjoining heritage areas.
The project will feature heritage-compatible pedestrian pathways, façade improvements, parking facilities, ornamental lighting, benches designed in sync with local architectural traditions, flower pots, heritage-style signage, wayfinding infrastructure and other public conveniences to improve the overall visitor experience.
The initiative follows directions issued by Lieutenant Governor Saxena on March 15, just two days after assuming office, when he called for a comprehensive makeover of Old Town Leh. The project is expected to be completed by September this year at an estimated cost of Rs 7.62 crore.
During his visit to the area in March, the Lieutenant Governor had directed the concerned departments to prepare a detailed plan to address issues related to sanitation, infrastructure, utility management and urban development in the historic precinct, which serves as one of Leh’s major heritage and tourism hubs.
Saxena had expressed concern over broken pavements, dug-up streets, haphazard construction activities, drainage channels running through streets and overhead electric wires, which not only affected the area’s aesthetics but also caused inconvenience to both residents and tourists.
The spokesperson said the project aligns with the Lieutenant Governor’s vision of transforming Leh into a clean, organised, pedestrian-friendly and world-class tourist destination while preserving its unique cultural and architectural identity.
The integrated utility corridor is expected to provide a long-term solution for coordinated management of public services, reduce repeated road excavations and improve maintenance efficiency. It will also significantly enhance the visual appeal of the heritage precinct.
“Old Town Leh is the cultural and historical heart of Ladakh and one of the most iconic heritage precincts in the Himalayas. Our endeavour is to preserve its unique character while providing modern, efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure,” Saxena said.
He said the project would improve public utility services and pedestrian facilities while creating a cleaner, organised and heritage-sensitive urban environment that reflects Ladakh’s rich legacy and meets the aspirations of a modern society.
Old Town Leh, one of Ladakh’s most prominent heritage destinations, has long faced challenges arising from unplanned utility services, exposed overhead cables, repeated road cutting, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and gradual deterioration of its traditional aesthetic character.
The new project seeks to address these concerns through integrated and sustainable urban infrastructure development, ensuring the preservation of the area’s heritage value while supporting tourism and improving the quality of life for residents.
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