PM Modi unveils five major projects in Ladakh, highlights roads, power and heritage
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing, highlighting the Centre’s focus on improving connectivity, strengthening infrastructure and preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
The projects are expected to improve travel, electricity supply and water availability while creating fresh opportunities for tourism and economic activity.
Modi inaugurated the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh, built at a cost of ₹650 crore. The facility is designed to increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh.
The terminal features geothermal heating alongside solar energy systems to address Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions. The Prime Minister said the government was committed to developing modern infrastructure while protecting the region’s fragile environment.
He also dedicated the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, constructed at a cost of ₹2,500 crore. The strategic corridor is expected to reduce travel time between key locations from 12 hours to three hours and support local trade and commerce.
The Prime Minister dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network. He said reliable electricity would benefit households, education, healthcare and small businesses.
He also dedicated 40 newly constructed reservoirs under Project Amrit Him Sarovar, aimed at improving water availability for irrigation during critical agricultural periods.
Highlighting development since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, Modi said the region’s road network had expanded from 1,800 km to more than 4,000 km. The number of major bridges had increased from 19 to nearly 75, while helipads had grown from seven to more than 40.
Tap-water coverage had risen from 3.5% to nearly 99% of households, and hospital beds had doubled, he said. The ongoing Zojila Tunnel is expected to strengthen all-weather connectivity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted winter and adventure tourism initiatives, the development of more than 40 border settlements under the Vibrant Villages programme, the expansion of homestays from around 150 to 3,000, and the establishment of 11,000 greenhouses to support agriculture.
Modi said a major Centre of Excellence was being developed in Leh to provide young people with access to quality education, research and emerging technologies. Proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu were also highlighted.
He said Ladakh’s sports policy would help nurture local talent in ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering through better training and facilities.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government had approved the establishment of a High Court Bench for Ladakh in August 2026. Expansion of BharatNet and high-speed internet was another focus, aimed at supporting online education, e-governance and digital business.
To preserve the region’s ancient heritage, Modi inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh, dedicated to protecting historic rock art.
He also highlighted the commercial potential of sea-buckthorn, GI-tagged apricots, handicrafts, high-altitude floriculture and Pashmina wool produced by the Changpa community. He said efforts were underway to improve branding and market access for Ladakhi products.
