Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth approximately Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing, focusing on connectivity, energy, water security and heritage conservation. The initiatives aim to strengthen infrastructure, improve access to essential services and support economic growth across the Union Territory.
A key highlight was the inauguration of the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh, built at a cost of Rs 650 crore. Designed to triple flight-handling capacity, the terminal will increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh. It incorporates geothermal heating and solar energy to address the region’s extreme climatic conditions while supporting tourism.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the Rs 2,500-crore Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, which is expected to reduce travel time between key locations from 12 hours to three hours. The strategic corridor is expected to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade and commerce. Additionally, the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network were dedicated to the region to strengthen electricity availability.
Water infrastructure received a boost with the dedication of 40 reservoirs developed under Project Amrit Him Sarovar. These reservoirs are intended to improve irrigation water availability and support agricultural activities in the high-altitude region.
Highlighting broader development initiatives since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, the Prime Minister noted improvements in road connectivity, bridges, helipads and household tap-water coverage. The region’s road network has expanded from 1,800 km to more than 4,000 km, while tap-water coverage has increased from 3.5 per cent to nearly 99 per cent of households. The ongoing Zojila Tunnel project is also expected to strengthen all-weather connectivity.
The government is promoting tourism, agriculture and local enterprise to create additional livelihood opportunities. Homestays have increased from approximately 150 to 3,000, while around 11,000 greenhouses are operational across the region. Initiatives to promote sea-buckthorn, GI-tagged apricots, Pashmina and local handicrafts aim to improve market access for farmers and artisans. More than 40 border settlements are also being developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Further initiatives include expanding digital connectivity through BharatNet, advancing higher education opportunities through a proposed Centre of Excellence in Leh and proposed satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu, and improving sports facilities for local athletes. The government has also approved a High Court Bench for Ladakh.
The Prime Minister additionally inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh to preserve the region’s ancient rock art and cultural heritage. Collectively, these initiatives aim to strengthen Ladakh’s infrastructure while supporting tourism, local livelihoods, essential services and long-term regional development.