pm visit to kargil

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Highlights: PM Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Leh, Kargil

Modi will inaugurate two hydro-power projects and lay foundation stone for leh-srinagar transmission line..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Tuesday on his maiden visit during which he inaugurated two hydro-power projects.

1.15 pm:  We are interested in development and taking everyone together towards development: PM

1.12 pm:  About 20 per cent people of Jammu and Kashmir are displaced, we will take all possible steps for their rehabilitation: PM

1.10 pm:  We are interested in development and taking everyone together towards development: PM Modi

1.02 pm: The government at the Centre is committed to improving connectivity to Kashmir: PM Modi

1.00 pm:  The patriotism of the people of Kargil inspires the people of India… I bow to this land and to the people, says PM.

12.57 pm:  It is my privilege that I am able to come here and meet all of you in Kargil: PM.

12.55 pm: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Chutak hydro-power station in Kargil.

12.30 pm: PM Modi arrives in Kargil.

11.37 am: Indian Armed Forces are suffering more casualties from terrorism than from war: PM

11.31 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemns continuing proxy war by Pakistan. “Pakistan has lost the strength to fight a conventional war but continues to engage in proxy war of terrorism,” he says.

11.00 am : Govt planning special projects including large-scale organic farming for development of all Himalayan states: PM.

10.57 am: Govt will fight corruption with full strength and take along people fighting graft: PM

10.55 am: PM Modi announces funds for road connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir, says four major roads to be built in the state.

10.52 am: We will modernize the design and production of Pashmina shawls, says PM modi

10.50 am: We need to bring a saffron revolution and that is giving impetus to Kesar; special attention should be placed to farmers: PM

10.49 am : We must think afresh on the development of Himalayan states, says Narendra Modi in J&K

10.47 am: Development must be such that it positively transforms the lives of the common people: PM.

10.45 am: We are going to fulfil the dream of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee: PM Modi.

10.40 am: There was a time when PMs never visited this state. I have come here two times already. Your affection draws me here: PM

10.35 am:  I understand the problems people of this region face here…I also understand the strengths of the people, says PM during his Leh visit.

He was received at the airport by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Army Chief General D S Suhag and other senior officials.

The PM also laid the foundation stone for the 349-km Leh-Srinagar transmission line.

Modi’s visit to Leh and Kargil–his second to Jammu and Kashmir after assuming office–is expected to touch on demands of locals in Leh and Kargil including employment generation and an assurance to take up with China and Pakistan respectively the issue of opening of Mansarovar road from Leh and re-opening of Kargil-Skardu road.

Leh town was all decked up to welcome the Prime Minister with hoardings erected at various places and BJP ’s Lotus flag seen prominently at various traffic intersections.

(With PTI inputs)

• Narendra Modi

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Kargil Vijay Diwas: Here’s all about the India-Pakistan war of 1999 and more

Kargil vijay diwas: on this day, the prime minister paid homage to the soldiers at amar jawan jyoti at the india gate in delhi every year..

Kargil Vijay Diwas, also known as Kargil Victory Day , is celebrated every year on July 26 to observe India's victory in the 1999 war between India and Pakistan. The day commemorates the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the weeks-long war.

On this day, the Prime Minister paid homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate in Delhi every year, and several functions are organised across the country to celebrate the Indian Army's contributions to the nation.

All about the Kargil War:

Relations between the two neighbours that had earlier engaged in a battle in 1971 leading to the creation of Bangladesh had remained tense over the past many years. While both nations were engaged in very few direct armed conflicts, they were putting in their best efforts to control the Siachen Glacier by establishing military outposts on the surrounding mountain ridges.

Also read: Watch: Army’s bike rally reaches Ladakh to pay tributes to Galwan bravehearts

The tension intensified after both countries conducted nuclear tests in 1998. In an attempt to defuse the situation, the Lahore Declaration was signed in February 1999. The declaration promised to provide a peaceful and bilateral solution to the Kashmir conflict.

However, during the winter of 1998-1999, Pakistani armed forces secretly trained and sent troops to enter the Indian side of the Line of Control (LOC) and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of the Ladakh region with an aim of dominating all military and civil movements.

Initially, the Indian troops assumed that the infiltrators were terrorists or ‘jihadis’ (radicals keen on war). However, soon they realised the attack was planned on a much bigger scale - forcing the Indian side to retaliate and mobilise over 200,000 Indian troops in the region.

Also read: Kargil Vijay Diwas: President Murmu, PM Modi extend tributes, says ‘symbol of…’

The counter mission was called ‘Operation Vijay’.

The Pakistan army began the war by shooting two Indian fighter jets. During the course of the war, Pakistan had also sought US intervention following which the then President Bill Clinton had asked them to withdraw troops from the LoC.

A total of 527 soldiers from the Indian Army had lost their lives during the war. The war came to an end on July 26, 1999, with the Pakistan army evicting troops from their occupied positions - marking India's victory. SInce then, the day is commemorated as Kargil War Diwas to remember the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers.

• Kargil Vijay Diwas

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\'Visit to Kargil, interaction with soldiers unforgettable,\' says PM Modi

New Delhi : As the nation observes the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared pictures of his visit to the area during the conflict and his interaction with the soldiers.

"During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers," he said on Twitter.

During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2019

The Prime Minister said that in 1999, he was working for the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. "The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable," Modi said. In the photographs, he is seen interacting with army men and meeting wounded soldiers.

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PM pays tributes to soldiers on 20th anniversary of Kargil war

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Diwali 2022: PM Modi's emotional meeting with Army officer after 21 years

Diwali 2022: pm modi arrived in kargil to celebrate diwali with indian army jawans on the front..

While PM Modi said he was privileged to celebrate Diwali with the brave jawans, the Army soldiers were also excited to see the prime minister amidst them on the special occasion. 

ALSO READ:  PM Modi in Kargil on Diwali: 'Privileged to celebrate festival with our brave jawans'

For one young Army officer it was not only a matter of pride but emotional moment to meet te PM. Major Amit met PM Modi and presented him a 2001 picture of him with the then Gujarat chief minister during his visit to the Sainik School where he studied.

Major Amit, officials said, had met Modi at the Sainik School in Balachadi in Gujarat. Modi had visited the school soon after taking over as the state's chief minister in October that year.

"Today they met again in Kargil and it was a very emotional meeting," an official said.

The photo shows Amit and another student receiving a shield from Modi.

ALSO READ:  Diwali Celebration 2022: Ayodhya sets record by lighting over 15 lakh ‘Diyas’ in grand Deepotsav

The prime minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Kargil, following his custom of spending time with armed forces personnel on this festival every year since he became prime minister in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

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PM Modi observes Diwali tradition, arrives in Kargil to celebrate with jawans

Prime minister narendra modi arrived in kargil on monday to celebrate diwali with the jawans..

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Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi has landed in Kargil, where he will celebrate Diwali with our brave soldiers. pic.twitter.com/RQxanDEgDK — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 24, 2022

PM @narendramodi arrives in Kargil to celebrate Diwali with the Army. @ashraf_wani brings you the details. #NarendraModi #Kargil #News #Diwali2022 #HappyDiwali #HappyDeepavali @nabilajamal_ pic.twitter.com/YZkzzpgb3G — IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) October 24, 2022

ALSO READ | Diwali 2022 LIVE updates

He gifts sweets and other gifts to the jawans. Modi spent Diwali with the troops in Rajouri in 2019 as well. In 2020's Diwali, he had said the festival is complete only after he meets the jawans.

Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. Diwali is associated with brightness and radiance. May this auspicious festival further the spirit of joy and well-being in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful Diwali with family and friends. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2022

Modi in Kargil Today, the First PM to Visit Since the 1999 War

Here is your 10-point cheat-sheet to this story:

In Leh on stage at the Polo ground to inaugurate the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar transmission system, Mr Modi wore the traditional Ladakhi dress, 'goncha', and cap. He also addressed Army officers and jawans who guard the border at a very high altitude, including the world's highest battlefield in the Siachen glacier. Temperatures in the Ladakh region dip to minus 30 to 40 degrees in peak winter.

The Prime Minister will then fly to Kargil town where he will hold a public rally and inaugurate the 44 MW Chutak Power station. He will also lay the foundation stone for a 349-km power transmission line linking Leh-Kargil-Srinagar. The line, to be built at an altitude of over 10,000 feet in snowy terrain, is expected to ease the power crunch in the Leh-Kargil region.

In both places he is expected to talk about longstanding demands of locals, like employment generation and an assurance that he will take up with China the issue of opening the Mansarovar road from Leh and with Pakistan, the re-opening of the Kargil-Skardu road.

Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Hill Development Council Rigzin Spalbar said the people of Ladakh had high expectations from the Prime Minister's visit. "I hope the BJP lives up to its promise of granting Union Territory status to the region," he said.

Mr Modi's second visit in 38 days to J&K is seen as a thanksgiving to the people of Ladakh for voting the BJP's candidate to victory. The BJP won the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat for the first time this year, when its candidate Thupstan Chhewang beat his nearest competitor by a slender margin of 36 votes.

After winning three of J&K's six Lok Sabha seats, its best performance in the state ever, the BJP is now aiming for what it calls its "Mission 44+" in the state elections. The J&K assembly has 87 seats and 44 is the half-way mark for a majority to form government.

The BJP's best performance in the state elections so far has been 11. The party credits its significant gains in the general elections to what it calls the "Modi wave." It hopes to pick up at least two of the four assembly seats from Ladakh in this year's state elections.

Leh is awash in the BJP's colours today as the town preps to welcome the Prime Minister. There are big hoardings in many paces and flags with the BJP's lotus symbol are prominent at traffic intersections.

New Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag arrived in Leh on Monday to firm up arrangements for the VVIP visit. There is heavy security, with jawans of the ITBP being pressed into service for securing all venues.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He will be received at the Leh airport by J&K Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

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• Kargil Your Guide To Adventure In Northernmost Ladakh

5 Must-Know Tips Before Traveling To Kargil - Don't Miss Out

Web Desk Updated: Apr 12, 2024 6:30 PM IST

5 Things To Know Before Visiting Kargil

Located high up amidst the western Himalayas in India's northernmost region of Ladakh lies the town of Kargil. Flanked by the Suru and Drass rivers and towering mountain peaks, it serves as a gateway to the remote lands of Zanskar and Baltistan beyond the high passes.

While largely unexplored by tourists till now due to its extreme weather and remote location, improvements in connectivity have put this ruggedly beautiful destination on the traveller's map promising thrilling adventures ranging from mountain treks to river raft adventures alongside soaking in its multi-ethnic culture, Buddhist heritage and majestic landscapes.

As you pack your rucksack to uncover Kargil's treasures, here's all you need to know.

1.Historical Significance

Strategic trade outpost.

• Kargil was an important center along the ancient Silk Route linking Central Asia and India, acting as a melting pot of trans-continental trade, travel and cultural influences.

Witness to Indo-Pak Military History

• Its location along the Line of Control has made Kargil an important military station involved in major conflicts namely the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 as well as the Kargil War of 1999 between both forces.

Key Highlights

• Kargil was a key location for trade and cultural influences.
• It has been strategically important in Indo-Pak conflicts due to its location near the LoC.

2.Spectacular Vistas

Himalayan highs.

• Kargil offers stunning views of the majestic Himalayan peaks including the Nun and Kun massif which soar to over 7000 m, presenting awe-inspiring sights.

Pristine Valleys

• Numerous side valleys like those of Suru and Drass nurture pristine rivers, grasslands dotted with seasonal flowers and tiny hamlets with lush apricot orchards.

Untamed Lakes and Waterways

• Trans-Himalayan lakes like magnificent Pangong Tso and high altitude rivers offer scope for nature walks, birding, camping, rafting and even chilling dips!
• The Nun Kun peak, Suru & Drass valleys and Pangong Lake offer stunning Himalayan views.
• Activities like treks, hikes, camping, rafting can be enjoyed.

3.Cultural Essence

Diverse communities in harmony.

• Kargil represents Ladakh's multi ethnic culture with Buddhists, Muslims and even smaller groups like Hindus, Sikhs coexisting harmoniously over centuries sharing common customs.

Vibrant Festivals

• Losar, Eid and celebrations hosted by religious schools display vibrant local arts and rituals showcasing the preservation of ancient cultural roots.
• Societal Traits Despite difficult living conditions in such harsh terrain, simplicity, generosity and resilience characterize local communities with religious values integral to daily lives.
• Kargil represents the harmonious multi-ethnic culture of Ladakh.
• Vibrant art, music and dance are displayed during Losar and Islamic festivals.

4.Adventure Haven

A trekkers' paradise.

• The stark landscape around Kargil dotted with glaciers, valleys and rivers offers trek routes catering to all levels of expertise from day hikes to difficult escapades across high altitude passes.

River Rambles

• The Suru and Drass rivers allow exhilarating rafting experiences suitable for first timers too that reveal stunning vistas of the majestic mountains from a unique vantage point.

Mountaineering Mecca Peaks in the region like Nun provide formidable challenges for seasoned climbers desiring steep ice walls and technically difficult rock faces to pit their skills against.

• Treks, mountain climbing & river rafting can be enjoyed by all levels of adventurers.
• Rafting on Drass & Suru rivers offers great scenery.

5.Travel Pointers

Reaching kargil function load_taboola_mid_article_script(){ window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: "thumbnails-mid", container: "taboola-mid-homepage-thumbnails", placement: "mid homepage thumbnails", target_type: "mix" }); }.

Well linked via road and air, Kargil remains cut off certain times in winters. However one can drive from Leh/Srinagar in summers or fly to Leh from Delhi/Srinagar and proceed via road. Things to Remember Respect religious sites, seek permission before photographing locals, carry sufficient warm clothing/gear and necessary permits for restricted areas near the LoC region.

Get ready for an epic adventure holiday adding another feather to your travel stories! Explore this frontier region before others beat you to it.

• Topics News">Adventure
• Topics News">culture
• Topics News">Himalayas
• Topics News">Kargil
• Topics News">Kargil: Your Guide to Adventure in Northernmost Ladakh
• Topics News">trekking

Top Things to Do in Kargil, India

Places to visit in kargil, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kargil.

Kashmir Ladakh Tour

Tour of Zanskar Valley

Leh Ladakh Tour 7 Nights 8 Days / Mystique Leh Trip / Kashmir with Leh tour

In the wonderful land of Kashmir

Full-day Trekking Tour to Mohanmarg Meadow

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Multi-day & extended tours, top attractions in kargil.

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What travellers are saying.

Greater Kashmir

LS Polls-2024 | Ladakh to vote today

Kargil, may 19: the ladakh parliamentary constituency, the largest in the country in terms of area, is all set to vote in the fifth phase….

Irfan Raina

Kargil, May 19: The Ladakh parliamentary constituency, the largest in the country in terms of area, is all set to vote in the fifth phase of the ongoing parliamentary polls on Monday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Electoral Officer Ladakh, and the district election authorities have made all the necessary arrangements for the smooth and transparent polling process in the Ladakh parliamentary constituency.

This Lok Sabha seat has over 1.84 lakh voters, of which a majority of 95,926 electorates are in the Kargil district and 88,877 are in the Leh district.

Three candidates are in the fray including BJP’s Tashi Gyalson, Congress’ Tsering Namgyal, and independent candidate Hanifa Jan.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, who is also the Returning officer for the 01-Ladakh parliamentary constituency, told Greater Kashmir that all arrangements were in place.

“The polling parties have been already dispatched to remote polling stations while the rest of the staff reached their respective locations on Sunday,” he said.

Sukhadeve said Ladakh has 577 polling stations including 298 in Leh district and 279 in Kargil district.

“In Leh, there are 298 polling stations of which 87 are critical while 75 are pink polling stations specifically for women and 10 model polling stations besides two unique polling stations,” he said. “All the arrangements have been made.”

Sukhadeve said that Hanle Phu, a polling station in Leh district, is located at the height of 15,000 feet above sea level and is the world’s second-highest polling station.

He said Warshi, a polling station in Nubra area of Leh district has been set up for only five electors, all members of a single family.

Sukhadeve in a message to the voters in Ladakh urged them to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Leh, Shruti Arora said that all the necessary arrangements for security had been made.

She said the Ladakh Police along with the deployed CAPF companies would ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for voters and ensure maintaining law and order.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kargil Shrikant Suse, who is also the District Election Officer Kargil, told Greater Kashmir that to ensure fair and transparent voting, district election authorities and Police in Kargil had made elaborate arrangements.

“Webcasting will be done at 140 polling stations including 118 critical polling stations on the poll day to monitor the poll process,” he said.  “In Kargil district, 10 polling stations would be model polling stations, four polling stations would be managed by women polling personnel, and a polling station by PwD officials.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Ladakh, Yetindra M Maralkar, conducted a comprehensive visit to several polling stations across Leh.

During the visit, the CEO reviewed the facilities and arrangements at these polling stations to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.

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Srinagar to Kargil – Complete & Detailed Travel Guide

The stunning landscapes of Srinagar attract tourists from all around the world. Traveling from Srinagar to Kargil seems like a journey from one point to the opposite of almost everything that you have experienced during your stay in Srinagar. Both of the places are in contrast with each other and beautiful in their own ways.

Srinagar is one of several places that have been called the “Venice of the East”. Lakes around the city include Dal Lake – noted for its houseboats – and Nigeen Lake. Apart from Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake both lie to the north of Srinagar.

Srinagar boasts of the red apples, the orchards, the differently shaped trees, and the ripe peaches – everything seems to contribute to the charm of the city.

On the other hand, Kargil, the second largest town in Ladakh, is so very simple yet has an unusual scenic beauty. Kargil exudes a vibe of peculiar calmness after a war, and one cannot help to wonder how.

In this post, I will provide detailed information on a journey from Srinagar to Kargil. For any other details on visiting Ladakh like how to reach, what to see, where to stay, and other safety tips, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide . You can also take a look at the following video that I shot during our trip of the entire route from Srinagar to Kargil.

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How to Plan a Journey from Srinagar to Kargil

While traveling from Srinagar to Kargil, one will come across picturesque landscapes. The views are simply breathtaking and you can witness the road dotted with maple trees which makes the journey more beautiful.

Along the route, there are many attractions like Sonamarg, Baltal Valley, Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary, Zoji La Pass, Drass Valley, Kargil War Memorial, and Drass War Memorial.

In the post below, you will read several important details on traveling from one town to another. You will find below information on how to go from Srinagar to Kargil, what to see, available modes of transport, the route, road conditions, distance and time, and the cost involved.

Srinagar to Kargil Road

The road from Srinagar to Kargil is a part of national highway 1D, also famously known as the Srinagar Leh Highway . The highway actually starts at Uri and then runs through Baramula, Srinagar, and Kargil before terminating at Leh. It has now been renamed National Highway 1.

The entire length of the road is about 500 kilometers but the distance between Srinagar and Leh is about 410 kilometers. The distance between Srinagar and Kargil is 202 kilometers and the town acts as a midpoint between Srinagar and Leh. It is a popular halting point for people traveling from Kashmir to Ladakh.

A journey from Srinagar to Kargil can only be completed by road. The option of train and flight is not yet available but there are several modes of transport available to choose from on the way from Srinagar to Kargil. Let us review all of these, one by one.

Srinagar to Kargil Road map

For a detailed map of the Srinagar Kargil route, please take a look at A Complete Road Map of the Entire Ladakh . This is a very comprehensive and detailed map that contains information on all the roads leading to Ladakh, including the Srinagar to Kargil stretch

Srinagar to Kargil Road conditions

The road is a mix of good, bad, and ugly. The ugly part is mostly limited around the Zoji La pass. For the rest of the distance, the road either remains to be good or average.

Route from Srinagar to Kargil

Starting from Srinagar, you will first reach the small town of Ganderbal. The traffic here is a bit rash and the roads narrow, hence I would advise caution while crossing this area.

After Ganderbal, the landscape turns extremely scenic as you drive toward the small town of Kangan. You will then continue through the mesmerizing valleys of Kashmir to reach Sonamarg.

Take a break here and get something to eat. After Sonamarg comes Baltal which is a very popular camping ground and also one of the starting points of the Amarnath Yatra.

From Baltal, you will then climb up the mighty Zoji La Pass at an altitude of 3,528 meters (11,575 ft). Chances are that you will definitely find some snow here irrespective of the month of your travel.

After Zoji La, you will then reach the town of Dras. The famous Kargil War Memorial is located here and a visit is highly recommended. After Dras, it is a straight run of about 65 kilometers to Kargil.

Srinagar to Kargil Road Status

It all depends on the weather but historically, the road usually opens sometime in the month of April and closes in November.

Another thing to remember here is that in the early days, the traffic at Zoji La Pass is controlled one way. It means that for a certain duration, only vehicles from Srinagar are allowed to travel. Then the vehicles coming from Kargil are released after that. A few hours in the day are reserved for the movement of Army vehicles.

So if you were traveling on your own, it would be wise to first find out about the timings to ensure that you do not get stuck on the road for hours, waiting for the traffic movement to start.

For the latest updates on the status of the road, I recommend visiting and following the forum thread Srinagar Leh Highway Status .

Srinagar to Kargil Travel Time

Srinagar to Kargil by road distance is 203 kilometers with an aerial distance of 134 km. It takes Approx. 6 – 7 hours to complete the journey, depending upon your speed, breaks, and traffic at Zoji La Pass.

How to Travel from Srinagar to Kargil by Road

Let us now take a look at the different modes of travel you can use for this journey.

If you are traveling by car, then the only thing you need to make sure of is that your car is well-maintained and not badly beaten. I myself have done the stretch from Srinagar to Kargil and then to Leh Ladakh in a 13-year-old Wagon R.

Another friend of mine has done it in a Maruti Swift. You just need to prepare the car well for the journey ahead and have someone on the wheel who has some driving experience in the hills. For more information, take a look at How to Prepare Your Car for Leh Ladakh Trip .

Traveling by motorcycle is one of the most favored activities here. Thousands of people each year travel from Srinagar to Kargil on their motorcycles and then further to Leh Ladakh, due to which this belt is also known as a biker’s paradise.

A larger engine bike like Enfield would be better for the ride but even a 125 CC motorcycle can easily do the trip as long as it is well-maintained and well-serviced.

If traveling on such a bike, please ensure that you are riding solo and as light as possible. Also, take a look at How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh for some other tips on getting your bike ready.

If you do not own a motorcycle, then you can definitely rent one from Srinagar. Kashmir Travelogue is a reliable rental agency there and its owner, Faisal is a gem of a guy.

You can rent a motorcycle from him and rest assured that he will give you one in very good condition. Give him my reference and he will give you a discounted price. You can contact him at 9596410670.

Srinagar to Kargil Bus

Let us first take a look at modes of public transport from Srinagar to Kargil. I will first start by explaining the bus journey and then will move on to other options.

If you want to travel from Srinagar to Kargil by bus, then you would have to board the daily morning bus from Srinagar to Leh by JKSRTC . This bus starts from the Srinagar bus stand and reaches Kargil by evening on Day 1. The next day, the same bus starts from Srinagar in the morning and reaches Leh by afternoon.

Srinagar to Kargil Bus Fare

The total fare from Srinagar to Kargil is Rs. 350 per person. If you want to extend your journey to Leh then you will pay another Rs. 380 per person, making Rs. 730 as the total fare from Srinagar to Leh.

Srinagar to Kargil Bus Timings

The bus starts from Srinagar at around 7 am, arrives at Sonamarg at 11 am, Drass at 2 pm and finally reaches Kargil between 4 to 5 pm. It halts overnight at Kargil. The coach will start at 7.30 am the next morning from Kargil and reach Leh between 2-3 pm.

Srinagar to Kargil Bus Booking

There is no booking system available for this bus. You will buy the ticket on the spot and board the bus. The only other thing you can do is to reach the Bus stand a day in advance and buy a ticket in the evening before the journey.

Apart from the daily Srinagar Leh Bus, there are no other buses from Srinagar to Kargil available. If you missed it, then the only other choice is to either wait another day or board a shared cab.

Another thing to note here is that the hotel at Kargil would have to be paid for on our own. The ticket you buy from Srinagar will only cover your bus fare and no other cost.

Srinagar to Kargil Taxi

Let us now take a look at the second option, to travel to Kargil by taxi. To be honest, if within budget, this is actually a better option than the Srinagar to Kargil Buses.

When traveling in a taxi, you have the option of taking as many breaks as needed and whenever needed. You can stop for sightseeing, click pictures, cover all major tourist places on the way, and travel at your own pace.

On the other hand, though a bus may be a cheaper option, it will only commute you from one city to another. You will be bound by the bus timings and will just be staring out of a window for most of the journey. Stops will be limited and none of them would be for the purpose of sightseeing.

Srinagar to Kargil Taxi Fare

There are two types of taxis available on this route. The first one is a private taxi and the second one is a shared cab. If you rent a private cab, then it will cost you Rs. 6,400 for a drop to Kargil.

For a return journey with a night halt at Kargil, the fare would be Rs. 13,200. If you would like to extend your journey all the way to Leh, then the total fare would come out to be Rs. 16,200.

The most important thing to remember here is that a Srinagar taxi cannot be used for sightseeing either in Ladakh or Zanskar.

It can only drop you at either Leh or Kargil. For your journey ahead to Padum or other places in Ladakh, you will have to rent another local cab from either Leh or Kargil.

Srinagar to Kargil Shared Taxi

If you want to hire a shared taxi from Srinagar to Kargil, then you can find one at the tourist reception center, also known as TRC.

The fare, in this case, would drop down to Rs. 1000 – 1500 per person, depending on your negotiation skills. If you board a cab all the way to Leh, then the total fare will be around Rs. 2,500 per person.

Kargil does not have an airport of its own so you cannot actually fly there. There were talks of a helicopter service and it was in fact even launched but never stayed in service for long.

I am not sure what the current status of this service is but as of now, there is no direct Srinagar to Kargil flight available. You will either have to fly to Leh and then reach Kargil by road.

Or you can book a flight to Srinagar and then get a taxi from Srinagar Airport to Kargil. The taxi is available from right outside the airport so finding one will not be a problem at all.

The airport in Srinagar is the nearest airport to Kargil which is well-connected to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Mumbai, Indore, and Bangalore.

There is no railway station at Kargil. If traveling by train, you will first have to get to Srinagar and then either board a bus or rent a taxi from there for Kargil.

Srinagar to Kargil Sightseeing

Sonamarg is probably the biggest attraction on this route. Stay here for a day if you can and trek to the nearby Thajiwas Glacier. After Sonamarg , the next prime attraction is the high-altitude pass of Zoji La which is considered among the toughest.

Next will be the Kargil War Memorial and then the small town of Dras. There are several tourist attractions around Kargil as well. Some of them are Suru Valley, Mulbekh Monastery, Mulbekh Chamba, Sani Monastery, Rangdum Monastery, Shergoi Cave Monastery, and more.

For a more detailed version of this information, please read Tourist Places on Srinagar Leh Highway .

Best Time to Travel

The best time to do this journey is from April to October depending on the opening of the Zojila Pass. From April till October, the entire Srinagar to Leh Road remains open for travelers to visit Kargil or go even beyond Leh.

It is however advised to avoid the monsoon season and the winters to visit Kargil. When I say monsoon, I mean the months of late June, July, and August because, at this time, the rain gods can wreak havoc in the area. Crossing Zoji La in these months can become quite a bit of a challenge with all the slush. Landslides too become common at this time.

You cannot travel to Kargil by road in winter, from November to April after Zoji La gets snowed out. But traveling late in the season (late October and early November) is also not advised because it can snow at the pass anytime and you will get stuck.

Summertime makes Kargil toasty and warm during the mornings and pleasantly cold at night. During this time, National Highway 1D remains officially open. It connects Srinagar and Leh .

Banks & ATMs

Srinagar being such a preferred tourist destination has several ATMs, petrol pumps, and mechanics available. As a traveler, you don’t have to worry about ATMs, petrol pumps, and mechanics. It goes without saying that there are numerous petrol pumps in Srinagar; so ensure that you start the journey from here with a full tank.

After you leave Srinagar, the next fuel station is the HP petrol pump at Nagbal. There are two petrol pumps at Ganderbal but after that, the next one is in Kargil only.

Mobile Connectivity

BSNL, Airtel, and Jio phones work well in Kargil. Starting from Srinagar, if you were on a post-paid connection, you will have some connectivity until Sonamarg. Your phone will be dead again until you reach Kargil.

In Kargil, BSNL , Airtel, and Jio will provide an excellent network with good voice clarity and 4G data. On the stretch from Kargil to Leh, Airtel will continue to keep coming and going at regular intervals.

Medical Assistance

The cities of Srinagar and Kargil both have large enough hospitals to handle any medical emergencies. Between these two, you can get some basic medical assistance at Ganderbal, Kangan, Sonamarg, and Dras.

Mentioned below are a few other tips that can be of help in planning a journey from Srinagar to Kargil.

Srinagar to Kargil Distance

The total distance between Srinagar to Kargil is 202 kilometers.

Srinagar to Kargil Itinerary

There is really no itinerary as such that you need to have for this journey. It all depends on the time you have in hand. The journey can easily be completed in 1 day but if you had the time in hand and wanted to do some sightseeing, you can dedicate 2 or three days to it.

For 2 days, the itinerary will look like this.

• Day 1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg
• Day 2 – Sonamarg to Kargil

Srinagar is Sonamarg is hardly a journey of about 2-3 hours. If you started early from Srinagar, you will reach Sonamarg well in time to spend some time visiting the nearby places. For a list of tourist attractions here, please take a look at Places to Visit in Sonamarg and Things to Do .

The next day, you will reach straight to Kargil. But if you wanted to, you can spend another day in Drass before going to Kargil. The itinerary will then be changed to this.

• Day 1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg. Travel time of 2-3 hours
• Day 2 – Sonamarg to Dras. Travel time of 2-3 hours
• Day 3 – Dras to Kargil. Travel time of 2-3 hours.

Traffic Update Srinagar to Kargil

The traffic at Zojila Pass is controlled in the early season to avoid any traffic jams at the top of this pass. These timings change every year. Usually, in the early part of the day, traffic from the Kargil side is allowed. Some time is then reserved for Army movement.

In the latter part of the day, the traffic from Srinagar is released. But there is really no set schedule around it and it is updated each year when the Srinagar Leh route is declared open. To get the most recent updates on the year of your travel, please take a look at Srinagar Leh Highway Status, Road Conditions & Updates .

I hope the details above on traveling from Srinagar to Kargil were of help. If you have any questions, you can  contact me on Instagram  and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider  subscribing to my YouTube channel  and asking a question there.

Jitender Pathania

My name is Jitender Pathania, and I love to travel. My biggest passion is traveling the world and experiencing new adventures and cultures. My hometown is Dharamshala and currently working with a Travel House in Amritsar. Mostly I manage to get some time off from my job to travel and write about what I see, hear, feel and do. Sometimes, I find destinations that I just cannot get enough of, and then I have to return there to learn and experience even more. Some of the countries I have been to are Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Oman, Nepal and Bhutan. I have traveled most parts of northern India as well including the famous Leh & Spiti circuits. Seeing new places, meeting different people, trying some tasty dishes makes me feel like living in an alternate world.

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How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, how to plan a trip to kashmir –..., srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, 17 comments.

SIR EXCELLENT INFORMATION IS GIVEN BY YOU. NEXT MONDAY I WILL BE VISITING SRINAGAR AND LEH ON 9 DAYS PACKAGED TOUR. MY DAUGHTER WISH IS TO TRAVEL BY ROAD FROM SRINAGAR TO LEH. SHE IS A VERY GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER. I AM SURE THAT, WE WILL ENJOY THIS JOURNEY WITH YOUR VALUABLE INFORMATION GIVEN HERE. PLEASE MENTION HEALTH PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN DURING THE JOURNEY ON THIS ROUTE. KEEP WRITING. GOD BLESS YOU

Red web site information. Really helpful indeed. From Srinagar I want to go to Kargil. You mentioned in web site take a halt in Sonamarg and see following spots:- 1. Zojla pass 2. Zero point 3. Jhajiwas Glacier 4. Sarbal village 5. Table top 6. Baltal Is above close to Sonamarg? If not which are the closest places to see in Sonamarg. Can I use CAB hired from Srinagar? Enroute to Kargil what are the name of the spots to see. I want to see following:- 1. Kargil war memorial 2. Dras 3 Suru Valley 4. Mulbekh Monastery 5. Mulbekh Cambridge 6. Sani Monastery 7. Rangdur Monastery 8. Shergoi Cave Monastery Hope I am not allowed to use cab hired from Srinagar. May I ask you following:- How is the taxi fare from Srinagar to Sonamarg? How much will be the taxi fare to visit site spots in the Sonamarg pl? How much will be taxi fare from Sonamarg to Kargil pl? How much will be taxi fare to visit site spots in Kargil? May I seek your assistance in this regards please. Thank you Kind regards,

Tomi Mathew

Very informative and seems useful too. Thanks for sharing Vargis bhai. I am planning bike ride ‘ Delhi – Srinagar – Kargil ‘ with my wife as pillion rider on Royal Enfield 350 cc . This is my first bike ride on Delhi -Kargil route. Please , do suggest Do’s and Dont’s. Would love to meet you somewhere on the way. Regards sanjay vohra

Very informative and it seems useful. Thanks for sharing . I am planning a bike ride from Srinagar to Kargil with my wife as pillion rider in this month only. Will meet you somewhere… inshallah..! Any suggestion. Regrads sanjay vohra

Hi vargis ji, Was travelling with parents 60 yrs and children 7 yrs to ladakh in sep end. Landing at srinagar airport in morning and car journey to kargil for a night halt then leh Or do u recommend a stay at sonmarg also for acclimatization before straight crossing zojila pass to kargil? My primary question is your best recommend acclimatization practice for this route. Thank u Regards

Hi Vargis bhai

First of all a big thank you for the wonderful information w.r.t journey from Srinagar to Leh. By reading every line you make me feel that as if I am traveling with you . I am planning to explore Srinagar to Leh this October in Week 2 with my family is that the best time to explore My itinerary will be 2 nights in Srinagar 1 night Gulmarg 1 night Kargil 2 nights leh 2 nights for Nubra and fly back from Leh to Mumbai. Is that sufficient to explore the beauty of this majestic journey Regards Santanu Ganguly

Thank you Santanu Bhai. Expect Ladakh to be a little colder in October, otherwise, it is a good time to go. I might be there myself at that time. I am also planning in October second week. Your itinerary looks Ok bhai.

Thank you Vargis bhai. Will keep in touch with you as it is always my dream to explore this track. Cold is not a challenge as every year 31st Dec I prefer to in extreme temperature. Last year I drove from Mumbai to Dalhousie and explore heavy snowfall at Khajjir previous to that I drove to Auli in Joshimath. But again I like to say after reading your blog my dream for Srinagar to Leh has come alive. Thank you from the core of my heart for such a wonderful blog

Thank you so much Santanu Bhai for your kind words. It means a lot.

Nice information about kargil .It has every minute detail a traveler needs before planning for atrip. Can senior citizens 65 plus age group.can to travel kargil on motorcycle.

Thank you, Mr. Kumar. As long you are physically fit, no medical condition and plan the journey well, it is doable

You have mentioned, that one cannot do sightseeing if travelling in a taxi from Srinagar,in both Ladakh and zanskar… so if one takes a private taxi for the entire route and back , what do we do ? Kindly advise . Also we’re ( husband and I are in our 60’s) Is this route , Srinagar/Leh/ Srinagar advisable?

Hi vargis, I am planning for shrinagar to leh in first week of may. I will visit with my own motorbike. Can I stay in drass? Are hotel available for stay in drass? It is very hectic for me to reach kargil from shrinagar in one day journey. Secondary is it necessary to take help of travel agent or we can plan as per our choice. Please advice. Yogesh

Thank you Vargis for this valuable information. I want to know is it possible to go to Kargil war memorial from Srinagar and return to Srinagar in same day. Please advise. I’ll be in Srinagar by mid April in 2021. Thanks and regards. Suman

You can do it Suman but it will be a very long drive so start early from Srinagar.

useful information

Thank you Mr. Parmar

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Lok Sabha Polls Phase 5: Rae Bareli, Amethi, Mumbai, Baramulla, & Ladakh In Focus As 49 Seats Set To Vote

Phase 5 of the lok sabha elections 2024 will feature polling in 49 constituencies across eight states and union territories. notable areas include rae bareli, amethi, mumbai, baramulla, and ladakh..

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 5 Voting: Polling for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is scheduled to commence on Monday in 49 Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) across eight States and Union Territories (UTs). Additionally, 35 Assembly Constituencies in Odisha will hold simultaneous elections for the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed that polling stations have been equipped with essential facilities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, toilets, and other basic amenities to ensure voters' comfort and safety. Special provisions have been made to manage hot weather conditions.

The eight States/UTs participating in Phase-5 are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Notable cities such as Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow, which have historically experienced low voter turnout, are included in this phase. The ECI specifically calls on these urban residents to break the trend, "Commission specially calls upon these city-dwellers to erase the stigma by turning out in higher numbers."

 The voting will commence at 7 AM to 6 PM (timings may vary by constituency) with around 9.47 lakh Polling Officials stationed.  Over 8.95 crore, including 4.69 crore male, 4.26 crore female, and 5409 third-gender electors are eligible to exercise their franchise.

Over 7.81 lakh voters are aged 85+, 24,792 voters above 100 years, and 7.03 lakh PwD voters have the option to vote from home. 

Here are the 49 Lok Sabha seats going to polls on Monday across eight States and Union Territories:

• Bihar: Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Hajipur
• Jharkhand: Chatra, Kodarma, Hazaribagh
• Maharashtra: Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North – West, Mumbai North – East, Mumbai North – Central, Mumbai South – Central, Mumbai South
• Odisha: Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Aska
• Uttar Pradesh: Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, Gonda
• West Bengal: Bangaon, Barrackpur, Howrah, Uluberia, Sreerampur, Hooghly, Arambag
• Jammu and Kashmir: Baramulla
• Ladakh: Ladakh

Uttar Pradesh

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for Monday, is set to be a decisive battle for five Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Additionally, the assembly bypoll for Lucknow East constituency will be held on the same day.

A total of 2.68 crore voters will decide the fate of 144 candidates contesting in this phase. 

Among the prominent candidates, Rajnath Singh is seeking a fourth term from Lucknow, where he faces a challenge from sitting Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Ravidas Mehrotra. Smriti Irani, contesting from Amethi, is in the fray as well.

Other key candidates include Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishor from Mohanlalganj, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti from Fatehpur, and Union Minister of State for MSME Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma from Jalaun. Rahul Gandhi, contesting from Rae Bareli, aims to succeed his mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The BJP has fielded 11 sitting MPs in this phase, introducing new candidates only in the Barabanki (SC) and Kaisarganj constituencies. Within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, Congress candidates include K L Sharma from Amethi, Tanuj Punia from Barabanki (SC), and Pradeep Jain 'Aditya' from Jhansi, while the Samajwadi Party is contesting the remaining seats.

In the Kaisarganj Lok Sabha seat, BJP's Karan Bhushan Singh, son of former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, faces SP's Bhagat Ram. The Faizabad constituency will see BJP's sitting MP Lallu Singh against SP MLA Awadhesh Prasad.

In Hamirpur, BJP's Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel aims for a third term against SP's Ajendra Singh Lodhi. Gonda's electoral battle pits BJP's Kirti Vardhan Singh, vying for a fifth term, against SP's Shreya Verma. In Banda, RK Singh Patel seeks a third term against SP's Krishna Devi Shivshankar Patel, while Vinod Kumar Sonkar, aiming for a hat-trick, competes with SP's Pushpendra Saroj in Kaushambi (SC).

The Lucknow East assembly bypoll was triggered by the demise of sitting MLA Ashutosh Tandon on November 9, 2023.

ALSO READ | All 6 Lok Sabha Seats In Mumbai To Vote On May 20: Key Battle In Mumbai North As  'Outsider' Goyal Faces 'Bhoomi Putra' Patil

Maharashtra

In the fifth and final phase of Maharashtra's general elections, polling will be conducted today in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies, including six in Mumbai. Over 2.46 crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 264 candidates in constituencies such as Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai South, Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Palghar, Nashik, Dindori, and Dhule.

Key nominees include Union ministers Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), Bharati Pawar (Dindori), and Kapil Patil (Bhiwandi) from the BJP, which has also fielded lawyer Ujjwal Nikam (Mumbai North Central). Notable candidates from the Shiv Sena include Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan) and city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad (Mumbai North Central).

Voting will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm across 24,553 polling centres. The main contest is between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, and the opposition alliance of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP).

Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, where 10 of these 13 seats are located, form a significant part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, one of the most urbanised areas in the country. 

A total of 2,46,69,544 persons are eligible to cast their vote, including 1,31,38,526 men, 1,15,28,278 women, and 2,740 from the third gender. 

The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde , has fielded its candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai North West, and Mumbai South Central seats, while the ruling BJP has candidates in Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, and Mumbai North East constituencies. The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray, has put up candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East, and Mumbai North West as part of a seat-sharing deal with its Maha Vikas Aghadi partners, NCP (SP) and Congress. Congress candidates are contesting in Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North.

In Thane and Kalyan, where the rival Senas are pitted against each other, these are prestige battles for CM Shinde, as they fall under his political turf. CM Shinde's close aide Naresh Mhaske and his son Shrikant Shinde are the Shiv Sena nominees in Thane and Kalyan, respectively. The contest is between BJP and Sena (UBT) in Palghar, while BJP and NCP (SP) are the main contenders in the textile manufacturing hub of Bhiwandi. Dhule is witnessing a BJP versus Congress fight. In Dindori, it is BJP versus Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), while CM Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT) are facing off in Nashik.

To ensure smooth voting in Mumbai, nearly 30,000 security personnel will be deployed, officials said, as per news agency PTI. This includes 2,752 officers and 27,460 other personnel, including three units of the riot control police. Additionally, five officers of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police, 25 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 77 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) will lead various teams during the bandobast. Nearly 5,000 policemen, 6,200 home guards, and 36 units of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will also be brought in for the election day, PTI reported.

Polling in 35 of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra has been conducted in four phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, and May 13. Votes will be counted on June 4.

West Bengal

A bevy of high-profile candidates, from ministers to actors, are set to test their luck on Monday as seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the southern part of West Bengal go to the polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

In Barrackpore, BJP's Arjun Singh, who has switched between the saffron party and the Trinamool Congress four times in the last five years, is taking on West Bengal minister Partha Bhowmick in a bid to retain the seat he won in 2019.

Actor Rachana Banerjee has been fielded by the TMC to challenge BJP's actor candidate Locket Chatterjee, who is aiming for a second consecutive term from Hooghly.

In Serampore, BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose and CPI(M)'s student leader Dipsita Dhar are vying against TMC's sitting MP Kalyan Banerjee, who is contesting to win this seat for a fourth consecutive term.

Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur of BJP is fighting to retain the Bangaon seat against TMC's Biswajit Das. Das had switched to the Mamata Banerjee-led party after winning the 2021 assembly polls as a BJP candidate from Bagdah, which is situated within this Lok Sabha constituency.

In Howrah, once known as the Sheffield of the East for its numerous factories, footballer-turned-politician Prasun Banerjee is seeking to retain the seat for a third term on a TMC ticket. He faces a tough challenge from BJP's Rathin Chakraborty, a former TMC leader and mayor of Howrah Municipal Corporation, as well as CPI(M)'s lawyer candidate Sabyasachi Chatterjee.

BJP's Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary is contesting to prevent TMC's Sajda Ahmed from winning a third consecutive term in the Uluberia constituency.

In Arambagh, TMC has put up Mitali Bag, replacing its two-term MP Aparupa Poddar, to compete against BJP's Arup Kanti Digar and CPI(M)'s Biplab Kanti Moitra.

A total of 1,25,23,702 voters – 63,51,320 men, 61,72,034 women, and 348 third-genders – are eligible to exercise their franchise in 13,481 polling stations across the seven constituencies. The Election Commission (EC) has identified over 57 per cent of the polling booths as sensitive and decided to deploy over 60,000 central forces, besides 29,172 state police personnel for this phase, according to an official, PTI reported.

The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar will witness voting across five seats, all currently held by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), on Monday. Over 95 lakh voters are poised to decide the fate of 80 candidates in the constituencies of Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saran, and the reserved seat of Hajipur.

Hajipur, with the highest number of 19.67 lakh voters, features a significant contest between Chirag Paswan, representing the NDA, and RJD's Shiv Chandra Ram. Chirag Paswan aims to retain the seat previously held by his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who won it eight times. Sitting MP Pashupati Kumar Paras, Chirag's estranged uncle and a former Union minister, is not contesting but has pledged support to the NDA.

In the adjoining seat of Saran, the election pits RJD debutant Rohini Acharya, daughter of party president Lalu Prasad, against former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the sitting MP who has secured multiple victories for the BJP in this constituency.

Muzaffarpur is another focal point, where sitting MP Ajay Nishad, having switched allegiance to Congress after the BJP declined to back his bid for a third consecutive term, contests against Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, a political newcomer fielded by the BJP. Chaudhary was the runner-up in 2019 under the banner of Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), now part of the opposition alliance with Congress, RJD, and three Left parties. Muzaffarpur also has the highest number of candidates at 26, including Sudhir Kumar Ojha, a local advocate known for his legal petitions against prominent political figures and celebrities.

Out of the 80 candidates contesting in this phase, six are women. The five constituencies have 45.11 lakh female voters and a significant youth presence, with over 21 lakh voters under 29 years of age, including 1.26 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19 years. Voting will be conducted at 9,436 booths, with more than 8,000 located in rural areas.

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As Ladakh votes to elect its Member of Parliament for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, issues such as safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, statehood, and employment dominate the agenda across the region's vast expanse. Spanning more than 59,000 square kilometres, approximately 40 times the size of Delhi, the two districts of Leh and Kargil are divided by geography and religion but united in their demands.

In this unique constituency, Buddhist-majority Leh and Shia Muslim-majority Kargil have come together to voice four primary demands: safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, statehood, job reservations for locals, and the establishment of a separate public service commission along with two Lok Sabha seats for the region.

Ladakh, which shares its borders with both Pakistan and China, was reconstituted as a Union Territory without a legislature following the abrogation of Article 370. Initially, Leh welcomed this move, while Kargil opposed it. However, concerns over land and job protections soon took precedence, sparking protests across the region.

Padma Stanzin, a student leader from Leh, highlighted the urgent need for employment opportunities. "Employment is a major concern as not a single recruitment for gazetted posts has taken place since 2019. We were assured better job opportunities, but this has not materialised. The only government recruitments have been for class-4 posts," Stanzin told PTI.

The main political contenders in this election are the BJP, which has fielded Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chairman Tashi Gyalson, and the Congress, represented by Tsering Namgyal, the Leader of Opposition in the council. An independent candidate, Mohammad Haneefa Jan from Kargil, known as Haji Haneefa, is also contesting after leaving the National Conference. The Congress manifesto includes promises of safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, while Haneefa's campaign addresses all four key demands. The BJP's manifesto, however, does not mention the Sixth Schedule or statehood, though party leaders have assured continued dialogue on these issues.

Local dissatisfaction with the BJP stems from unfulfilled promises made during the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2020 Leh hill council elections. "We were assured safeguards, but nothing has happened so far. That's why we are demanding the Sixth Schedule to protect our interests. A rally was held on March 3, followed by a fast led by Sonam Wangchuk from March 6," Stanzin recounted. The sit-in protest in Leh, led by renowned educationist and social reformer Wangchuk, lasted 66 days and was suspended ahead of the election.

Ladakh has around 1.84 lakh voters—approximately 96,000 in Kargil and over 88,000 in Leh.

Jammu And Kashmir

Over 17.32 lakh eligible voters are set to cast their ballots in the fifth phase of the general elections in Baramullah on May 20. This election marks the first major political contest in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The outcome will determine the fate of Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference and former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, among 21 other candidates vying for the north Kashmir seat. The Baramulla constituency, spanning 18 assembly segments across the districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora, also includes two segments from Budgam.

According to PTI, officials confirmed that 2,103 polling stations have been established, with 1,859 in rural areas and 244 in urban locations, to facilitate voting.

Abdullah's primary rival is separatist-turned-politician and former minister Sajad Lone, who leads the People's Conference. Awami Ittehad Party's Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, currently imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar jail on terror-funding charges, has also thrown his hat in the ring. The People's Democratic Party candidate, Fayaz Mir, a former Rajya Sabha member, is also a key contender.

In the 2019 general elections, the constituency recorded a voter turnout of 34.17%, with Kupwara district seeing the highest participation at 51.7%, followed by Bandipora at 31.8%, and Baramulla at 24%. The inclusion of two Budgam segments was recommended by the delimitation commission two years ago.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent two-day visit to Srinagar ahead of the Baramulla polls sparked controversy. Abdullah alleged that Shah's visit aimed to bolster the BJP's proxy parties in the elections. Shah had previously urged Valley residents to support parties other than the National Conference, Congress, and the People's Democratic Party during a visit to Jammu.

"The BJP has not fielded its own candidates, but its 'B', 'C' and 'D' teams… be it the bucket, apple, cricket bat and ink-pot, have been working on its directions," Abdullah stated, referring to the election symbols of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, People's Conference, Apni Party, and the People's Democratic Party, respectively, as per PTI.

So far, the overall voter turnout for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 stands at approximately 66.95%, with around 451 million people having voted in the first four phases. The remaining three phases of the election will continue until June 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. In the first four phases, polling for 23 States/UTs and 379 PCs was conducted smoothly and peacefully.

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