Ladakh PW(R&B) Schedule of Rates
About Public Works (R&B) Department, UT of Ladakh
Ladakh's geography — entirely above 2,500m elevation, with most habitable areas at 3,000-4,500m — makes it impossible to apply plain or even mid-altitude SORs without significant adjustment. The LSoR 2024 codifies altitude-tier multipliers, working-window restrictions (effective construction season is May-October at lower elevations, June-September at high altitude), and remote-area logistics (material lead from Manali or Srinagar can exceed 500 km with seasonal road closures). Engineers in Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra, Zanskar, Pangong region all reference LSoR 2024 for state-funded works. NHIDCL handles strategic national highways (Zojila Tunnel, Srinagar-Leh widening, Manali-Leh) using MoRTH SDB Vol II (Hilly) framework — those projects don't use LSoR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is LSoR 2024 different from J&K SOR?
LSoR 2024 is Ladakh-specific, accounting for altitude-tier premiums above what J&K SOR covered (LSoR includes 3,500m+ multipliers absent from J&K SOR). Material lead from Manali/Srinagar over Zojila pass is built into base rates rather than added separately.
What's the construction season in Ladakh?
Lower elevations (Leh, Kargil, ~3,500m): May to October, ~6 months. Higher elevations (Drass, Pangong, Nubra, Tangtse, ~4,000m+): June to September, ~4 months. Works above 5,000m (some BRO border roads) are summer-only with extreme weather windows.
Does NHIDCL work in Ladakh use LSoR?
No. NHIDCL strategic projects (Zojila Tunnel, NH widening, border connectivity) use MoRTH SDB Vol II (Hilly) plus NHIDCL-specific tender packages. State-funded approach roads and PWD works use LSoR 2024.
What about BRO border roads?
BRO uses MES SSR + MoRTH SDB framework with Star Rate Analysis per project. Not LSoR. BRO roads in Ladakh (Galwan, Daulat Beg Oldi, Pangong) follow defence-grade specifications under separate procurement.
Are there altitude-specific multipliers?
Yes — LSoR 2024 builds altitude-tier adjustments into the base rates rather than as separate annexures. Engineers don't need to apply external altitude multipliers; the rate already reflects the project's elevation tier as defined in the SOR preface.