Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five major development initiatives worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on October 15, focusing on transport connectivity, energy infrastructure, cultural heritage conservation and water security. The projects include a new passenger terminal at Leh airport, a 298-km road linking Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh, a hydropower facility, a petroglyph conservation park and 40 village water bodies.
Leh Airport Gets a New ₹640 Crore Terminal
The new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh has been built at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spread across approximately 23,800 square metres, the facility is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually.
The terminal combines modern passenger amenities with elements inspired by Ladakh’s cultural heritage. It also incorporates geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. The expanded capacity is expected to support rising air traffic and improve travel convenience in the Himalayan region.
298-km Road to Strengthen Ladakh Connectivity
The Prime Minister dedicated the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Built by the Border Roads Organisation, the route connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley.
The road provides an alternative connectivity corridor alongside the existing Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways. It is expected to improve access for residents of remote settlements and support the movement of personnel and supplies for the armed forces. Better road connectivity could also improve access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services in the region.
Hydropower and Transmission Projects
The infrastructure package includes the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line.
The projects aim to strengthen power transmission infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network. They are part of efforts to enhance energy security and utilise the region’s hydropower potential.
India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park
The Prime Minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. The facility is intended to protect Ladakh’s ancient rock art, including carvings of animals, human figures and symbolic designs.
The region contains hundreds of prehistoric rock-art sites that offer insights into its history and early communities. The conservation park will provide a dedicated space to protect these archaeological remains, increase public awareness and encourage responsible heritage tourism.
Project Him Sarovar: 40 Water Bodies in 40 Villages
The fifth initiative involves 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar. The programme aims to improve water conservation and address seasonal shortages that affect agriculture in Ladakh.
Water availability in the region often varies between periods of snowmelt and the sowing season, when farmers need reliable supplies. The water bodies are intended to conserve water when available and make it accessible when required, supporting irrigation and local livelihoods.
A Multi-Sector Infrastructure Push
The ₹3,350 crore package brings together projects covering aviation, road transport, electricity, archaeological heritage and water management. The initiatives are intended to address the challenges of Ladakh’s remote geography while improving connectivity and access to essential services.
Together, the projects represent a broad infrastructure push aimed at supporting regional development, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the resilience of communities across the Himalayan territory.
