“Raut Proposes Naming Zojila Tunnel Portals After Indo-Pak War Hero and 8th Century Kashmir Ruler”

The Drass/Ladakh portal is proposed to be named after Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida, according to a letter from a leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), made public on X (formerly Twitter) on June 10, 2026.

Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida is a prominent historical figure known for his expansive empire in the 7th century, which included parts of present-day Kashmir, and for his significant contributions to culture and architecture in the region. The suggestion to name the portal after him may reflect an intention to honor local heritage and promote regional identity.

The Drass/Ladakh portal is expected to serve as a platform for development initiatives and facilitate access to various services for residents of the region. Further details about the portals functionalities and launch timeline have yet to be disclosed. This proposal comes amidst ongoing discussions about cultural representation and the significance of regional influencers in modern governance.