Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on Thursday. The projects focus on improving airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, cultural heritage conservation and water security.
Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, the Prime Minister said the initiatives would improve travel, electricity supply and water availability while helping preserve Ladakh’s ancient heritage.
A major highlight was the inauguration of the new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹640 crore, the terminal covers 23,800 square metres and is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually.
The facility incorporates geothermal technology and solar energy to address Ladakh’s extreme climatic conditions. According to the announcement, it is India’s first airport terminal to feature geothermal heating.
The new terminal is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity from one million to 3.5 million.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the 298-kilometre Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation.
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the strategic corridor connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley.
The road is expected to strengthen logistical support for the Armed Forces while improving access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services for residents of remote areas.
Two power projects were inaugurated to strengthen Ladakh’s electricity supply:
- 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project
- 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line
The projects aim to improve power availability, reinforce transmission infrastructure and utilise the region’s hydropower potential.
The Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh.
The park is intended to preserve prehistoric rock carvings that offer insights into Ladakh’s ancient history and cultural heritage.
The initiative adds a conservation-focused component to the region’s development programme.
Under Project Him Sarovar, 40 water bodies across 40 villages were inaugurated.
The initiative aims to conserve water, address seasonal shortages, support irrigation and strengthen agricultural livelihoods in the regio
