Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and dedicated to the nation major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, covering airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, hydropower, heritage conservation and water security. The projects are aimed at improving regional connectivity, strengthening electricity infrastructure and supporting sustainable development in the Union Territory.
A key component of the package is the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed 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 technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, while its design combines modern passenger amenities with elements of Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Connecting Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley, the road provides an alternative route to Ladakh alongside the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways. The corridor is expected to improve logistical support for the Armed Forces and provide residents of remote areas with better access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services.
The package also includes the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These projects are intended to improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network, strengthen power transmission infrastructure and help harness the region’s hydropower potential.
In a move to protect the region’s archaeological heritage, the Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. The facility will provide a dedicated space for conserving prehistoric rock carvings depicting wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations that offer insights into the region’s ancient history.
Water conservation is another focus of the development package. Under Project Him Sarovar, 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages have been inaugurated to address seasonal water shortages and improve availability for agricultural activities. The initiative aims to store water during periods of availability and ensure its use during critical periods, particularly the sowing season, thereby supporting irrigation and local livelihoods.
The projects collectively address key infrastructure requirements in Ladakh, where difficult terrain and extreme climatic conditions present challenges for transportation, power supply and water management. Improved connectivity is also expected to support tourism and economic activity while strengthening strategic mobility in the border region.