Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on Thursday, marking a major milestone in strengthening the Union Territory’s infrastructure, regional connectivity, energy security, and cultural preservation.
Addressing the citizens of Ladakh, the Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s commitment to driving sustainable development in the high-altitude region while safeguarding its fragile ecology and empowering local youth.
Key Projects Dedicated to the Nation
The ₹3,350 crore developmental package covers critical sectors ranging from civil aviation to high-altitude water management:
- New Terminal at Leh Airport: Built at a cost of ₹650 crore, the new terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport expands annual passenger capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh. Notably, it stands as India’s first airport terminal equipped with geothermal heating alongside solar power systems designed to withstand harsh winter conditions.
- Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road Corridor: Constructed at ₹2,500 crore, this vital strategic road drastically reduces travel time across key regional routes from 12 hours down to just 3 hours, offering a crucial boost to trade, logistics, and local commerce.
- Hanu Hydroelectric Project & Power Grid: The Prime Minister dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric plant along with its associated transmission network, enhancing power reliability across remote rural settlements.
- Project Amrit Him Sarovar: PM Modi dedicated 40 newly constructed high-altitude reservoirs designed to store water and ensure irrigation security for farmers during critical agricultural cycles.
- Petroglyph Conservation Park: To preserve the region’s ancient heritage, India’s first dedicated Petroglyph Conservation Park was inaugurated in Leh to protect prehistoric rock art.
Empowering Youth and Local Economy
Highlighting the territorial expansion achieved since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, PM Modi noted that the road network has expanded from 1,800 km to over 4,000 km, while tap water coverage has surged from 3.5% to nearly 99% of households.
To boost local higher education and stem youth migration, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Leh alongside satellite campus proposals for IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. He also reiterated support for local GI-tagged products, including Pashmina, sea-buckthorn, and Ladakhi apricots, on global commercial platforms.
