Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, covering airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, cultural heritage conservation and water security.
Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, the Prime Minister said the projects would make travel easier, improve electricity supply and water availability, and strengthen the preservation of Ladakh’s ancient heritage. He also congratulated the people of Ladakh, engineers, workers and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel associated with the projects.
A key highlight was the inauguration of the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Built at a cost of approximately ₹640 crore, the terminal covers 23,800 square metres and is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually.
The terminal incorporates geothermal technology and solar energy to address Ladakh’s extreme climatic conditions. According to the Prime Minister, it is India’s first airport terminal to feature geothermal heating. The new facility is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity from one million to 3.5 million.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the 298-kilometre Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Constructed by the BRO, the strategic road connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley.
The alternative connectivity corridor is expected to strengthen logistical support for the Armed Forces and improve access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services for residents of remote areas.
In the power sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. The projects aim to improve electricity supply, strengthen transmission infrastructure and harness Ladakh’s hydropower potential.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. The facility aims to preserve prehistoric rock carvings that provide insights into the region’s ancient history and cultural heritage.
In another initiative focused on water security, 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar were inaugurated. The initiative seeks to improve water conservation, address seasonal shortages, support irrigation and strengthen agricultural livelihoods.
-ANI
