New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around Rs 3,350 crore.
The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore. Spread over 23,800 square metres, the modern terminal is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually, officials said.
It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment.
He congratulated the people of Ladakh and those involved in the projects. “I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, workers, and local colleagues involved in these projects. I also specially appreciate the colleagues of the BRO,” he added.
Among the key projects inaugurated was the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built at a cost of around Rs 640 crore. Spanning 23,800 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually.
Highlighting its sustainable features, PM Modi noted that the terminal incorporates geothermal technology and solar energy to address the region’s harsh climatic conditions. “Another special feature of this terminal is that, keeping Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions in mind, geothermal technology has been used in its construction. Solar energy has also been utilised. This is the first airport terminal in India to feature geothermal heating. Congratulations to all of you,” he said.
Recalling that he had previously laid the foundation stone for the terminal, he expressed satisfaction at inaugurating the completed project. “Built at a cost of approximately Rs 650 crore, the terminal will increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 1 million to 3.5 million, while the number of flights could also increase up to threefold,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the 298-kilometre-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). This road connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh via the remote Zanskar Valley, providing an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh.
This strategically important road is expected to improve logistical support for the Armed Forces and enhance access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services for residents.
In the energy sector, PM Modi inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These projects aim to strengthen electricity supply, improve power transmission and harness Ladakh’s hydropower potential.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, intended to protect the region’s prehistoric rock carvings that provide insights into its ancient history and cultural heritage.
Additionally, 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar were inaugurated to improve water conservation and availability. This initiative addresses seasonal water shortages, supports irrigation and strengthens agricultural livelihoods in the region.
Collectively, the projects seek to improve infrastructure, enhance strategic connectivity, strengthen energy security, conserve cultural heritage and ensure better water management in Ladakh.
