Services in Kargil

Kargil is a sparsely populated area in Jammu and Kashmir. The area is visited by tourists only in the summers when the routes to this area are open and accessible. But the area is progressing impressively despite all these shortcomings. The services sector has a major role play in this growth. The infrastructural progress of this district is dependent on its limited resources. Hence local administration with private institutions and individuals is endeavoring hard to improve the lifestyle of local population. They are trying to make these utility services accessible and viable for all. The services available to people of Kargil are:

Administrative Services in Kargil

For administrative purposes, Kargil is divided into 9 blocks, 2 sub divisions, and three tehsils. Local administration of Kargil as a city and as a district depends upon Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) that was set up in 2003.

The district has 26 constituencies with 26 elected councilors and 4 nominated councilors. Chairman of this council is also the Chairman of Kargil Development Board in the capacity of a state Cabinet Minister.

The administrative control of district lies in the hands of Deputy Commissioner who also acts as Chief Executive Officer of the LAHDC.

There is also one municipal committee in Kargil city divided into 16 wards for civil administration. Civic amenities available to the inhabitants of this region are sanitation, drinking water, drainage, flood control, housing, urban development, education, health, soil conservation, etc.

Banking Services in Kargil

It is a remote area with lesser accessibility and population. With recent development of this district, the scenario has tremendously improved. Many banks from nationalized and private sector are now heading towards the tough terrains of Kargil to set up their branches. J&K Bank and State Bank of India are the major players of banking in this entire region. They have established efficient network of branches here.


These branches are enabled with advanced banking techniques including core banking services. They have ATM facility for the easy cash withdrawal and investment opportunities to channelize the savings of people. Leading private bank like HDFC and some co operative banks also have presence in this region for offering their banking and financial services.

Health Services in Kargil

In the rough living conditions of areas like Kargil, health care is a major concern. The area remains cut off from the rest of world for long duration of around 6 months. The people residing in remotest regions are most likely to remain detached from the government health services.

Hence, the government strives hard to take these reforms and schemes to these inhabitants as well. In the past few years, situations have improved at primary, tertiary, and secondary levels.

There are not many private institutions in the health care sector of Kargil. This enhances the need for better services from the government institutions.

The district has one district hospital. It has capacity of 75 beds with facilities of pathology, heart treatment, laparoscopy, etc. Apart from this, there is one sub district hospital in Drass with capacity of 30 beds. There are 3 community health centers, 34 sub centers, and 2 primary centers in this district. It also has 102 medical aid centers, 14 allopathic dispensaries, and 30 Amchi centers along with 1 TB hospital, Leprosy SET Centre, Mobile Dispensary, and Family Welfare Centre.

Postal Services in Kargil

In the far flung areas of Kargil, posts are the only means of communication for most of the people. Along with being the traditional mode of mailing, postal department has emerged as a premier in many allied services. They include money transfer, investments, parcel services, etc. These services are the only link for many people residing in rural pockets and least populated areas of district. There are 54 post offices located in various parts of the district. These comprise of 47 branch post offices and 7 sub post offices. The Pin Code of Kargil is 194103.

Transport Services in Kargil

Kargil is located at a distance of approx 230 km from Leh and 205 kms from Srinagar. National Highway 1D running from Srinagar to Leh passes through Kargil. During winter season spanning for more than 6 months, the region remains cut off from the rest of county due to extensive snowfall. Only Leh to Kargil road remains functional during these months. Earlier, the road from Kargil to Skardu used to remain open throughout the year. But the same road has been closed after partition in 1948.


Kargil has no connectivity through railways. When roads are closed, only aerial route is available to reach there. During the cold season, leading airlines like Indian Airlines, Kingfisher, and Jet Airways provide air transport in the region. Most of these flights are available from Delhi to Leh, Jammu, and Srinagar. They connect Ladakh with the world. However, in some remotest areas, these airlines are also not operational. For people stranded in these areas, Indian Air Force offers air lift services.

These are the public utility services available to the people residing and visiting Kargil. The service providers here are trying hard to make living easier in these extreme conditions. Lack of better infrastructure and road connectivity are some hurdles in the path but they will surely be overcome in coming years.