Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated five major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in the region’s development. The projects focus on improving connectivity, electricity supply, water availability and tourism infrastructure.
Addressing people through video conferencing, Modi congratulated the residents of Ladakh, engineers and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their contributions to the region’s progress.
A key highlight was the inauguration of the new terminal at Leh airport, constructed at a cost of ₹650 crore. According to the Prime Minister, the terminal will increase annual passenger handling capacity from around 10 lakh to 35 lakh and significantly expand flight operations. Equipped with geothermal technology, the facility is expected to strengthen tourism and improve air connectivity.
Modi also dedicated the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the people of Ladakh. Built at a cost of ₹2,500 crore, the strategic road has reduced travel time between key locations from approximately 12 hours to three hours, improving prospects for transportation, trade and regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Hydroelectric Project along with transmission infrastructure designed to improve local power supply. He said reliable electricity would support education, healthcare, village businesses and other essential services.
Under Project Amrit Him Sarovar, 40 water bodies across 40 villages were also dedicated to the public to help address seasonal water shortages and provide irrigation facilities for farmers.
Highlighting broader infrastructure development, Modi said Ladakh’s road network had expanded from 1,800 kilometres in 2019 to 4,000 kilometres, while the number of major bridges had increased from 19 to 75. He also pointed to improvements in access to safe drinking water and the growth of tourism-related facilities, including homestays and greenhouses.
The Prime Minister highlighted progress on the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to improve all-weather connectivity to the region. He also emphasized the importance of expanding technological education, promoting traditional products such as Pashmina and apricots, and preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
Modi noted that Ladakh’s first petroglyph conservation park had been inaugurated in Leh, highlighting efforts to protect the region’s historical legacy.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the Centre remained committed to Ladakh’s prosperity and development, expressing confidence that continued cooperation would help the region achieve further progress.
