Northeast Desk, 12th May: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju was seen lending a hand to push a stuck vehicle along the newly constructed Nimmu-Padum-Darchen Road in the remote Zanskar Valley of Ladakh. Rijiju, accompanied by his team, actively participated in physically pushing the vehicle and directing operations to clear the rough patch of road.
Taking to Twitter on May 12, Rijiju expressed his pride at witnessing the transformation underway in one of India’s most isolated regions. He welcomed the opportunity to be the first Union Minister to drive on the historic road, emphasizing its transformative potential for the entire Zanskar Valley and the wider Ladakh region.
“I’m glad to be the first Union Minister ever to drive on this historic NPD Road (Nimmu-Padum-Darch Road). This road will transform the entire Zanskar Valley and immensely benefit the whole of Ladakh,” Rijiju wrote.
Rijiju attributed the construction of the road to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on developing long-neglected areas. The new connectivity is expected to open up the region, improving access to services and economic opportunities for local residents after years of isolation.