Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated five major Ladakh infrastructure projects worth around ₹3,350 crore, spanning airport development, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, heritage conservation and water security.
The projects include a new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, a small hydropower project, a transmission line and initiatives focused on preserving archaeological heritage and conserving water.
According to officials, the projects aim to improve connectivity, strengthen essential services and support sustainable development in the Union Territory’s challenging geographical conditions.
Leh Airport Gets ₹640 Crore Passenger Terminal
The new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh has been built at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spread across 23,800 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually.
The facility incorporates geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. Its design combines modern passenger amenities with elements of Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
Officials said the terminal would improve passenger convenience and strengthen air connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country.
The use of geothermal energy also reflects the emphasis on energy-efficient infrastructure in the region’s ecologically sensitive environment.
Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road Strengthens Strategic Connectivity
Modi dedicated the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the route connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley.
The road provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the existing Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways.
The route crosses challenging Himalayan terrain, including the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass. Its strategic importance lies in improving operational mobility and strengthening logistical support for the armed forces.
The road is also expected to benefit residents of Zanskar by improving access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services.
Commenting on the projects, Modi said they would improve travel, electricity supply and water availability while supporting the preservation of Ladakh’s heritage.
Hydropower and Transmission Projects to Improve Energy Security
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line.
The projects are intended to strengthen power evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network.
They also mark a step towards harnessing the region’s hydropower potential to support local energy requirements and strengthen energy security.
India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park Inaugurated
Modi also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh to preserve Ladakh’s archaeological heritage.
The region contains hundreds of prehistoric rock art sites featuring carvings of wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations. These provide insights into thousands of years of human history.
The conservation park is intended to support the preservation of this heritage and improve recognition of Ladakh’s archaeological significance.
Project Him Sarovar Adds 40 Water Bodies Across Villages
The Prime Minister inaugurated 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar. The initiative aims to address water availability challenges linked to Ladakh’s geography and climate and aligns with the objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar.
Agriculture in Ladakh faces a seasonal mismatch between water availability and demand. Farmers can experience shortages during the crucial sowing season, even though snowmelt and glacial runoff provide substantial water resources at other times.
Project Him Sarovar seeks to conserve water when supplies are available and improve its availability when required. The initiative is expected to support irrigation, sustain agricultural livelihoods and strengthen long-term water security.
Together, the projects cover key infrastructure needs in Ladakh, from transport and power connectivity to water management and heritage conservation.
