Modi inaugurates ₹3,350-crore Ladakh projects covering roads, airport, power and heritage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Ladakh’s development is a major priority for the Centre. He highlighted the expansion of the road network, bridges and helipads since 2019, along with increased access to tap water and hospital beds. He also said the Zojila Tunnel, once completed, would improve year-round connectivity to Ladakh.

A new passenger terminal at Leh airport, a strategic road through Zanskar and a hydropower project were among the projects inaugurated

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched five pivotal projects in Ladakh aimed at advancing airport facilities and improving road connectivity. These projects feature a new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and the creation of the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road. The Hanu Hydroelectric Project will foster renewable energy, supplemented by a Conservation Park to preserve historic artifacts.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the immense sporting potential of the region and said that the youth of Ladakh have carved out a unique identity in fields like ice hockey, winter sports, and mountaineering.#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today in Ladakh, tourism opportunities are also increasing. Winter tourism and adventure tourism are being promoted here. The central government, under the Vibrant Village initiative, is developing more than 40 border villages in… https://t.co/lehS1nTZic pic.twitter.com/Uxr3W9V9mb— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2026 Addressing a virtual gathering after inaugurating and dedicating five major development projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh, covering airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, cultural heritage conservation, and water security, PM Modi said, "Ladakh has immense potential in sports as well. The youth here have carved out a unique identity in fields like ice hockey, winter sports, and mountaineering."Outlining initiatives to support local athletes, the Prime Minister added, "I am pleased that efforts are being made to promote sports talents through the new sports policy in Ladakh. Our effort is to ensure that the youth here receive better training and facilities, and that they achieve new accomplishments at the national and international levels."Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Our effort is to ensure that young people here receive better training and facilities so they can achieve new milestones at the national and international levels. Friends, the products you make in Ladakh through your hard work are… pic.twitter.com/nS6YUHTBMC— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2026 Shifting focus to education and youth empowerment, PM Modi stated, "Our special focus is on the younger generation of Ladakh. We want the youth here to receive quality education, have opportunities to learn new technologies, and not have to depend on other cities. That is why a major Centre of Excellence is being established in Leh."He further noted, "Proposals to set up satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu are also being taken forward. These initiatives will provide the youth of Ladakh with better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills within their own region."Detailing the infrastructure strides in the region, the Prime Minister spoke about the newly inaugurated Nimmu Padum Darcha road.The other projects inaugurated are also of great significance. The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road has been dedicated to the people of Ladakh, with an investment of around ₹2,500 crore. A journey that earlier took nearly 12 hours can now be completed in approximately three hours. This… pic.twitter.com/VBOV8oMUeE— DD News (@DDNewslive) October 15, 2026 "Today, the Nimmu Padum Darcha road has been dedicated to the people of Ladakh. Around 2,500 crore rupees have been spent on this. A journey that once took around 12 hours can now be completed in approximately 3 hours. This will not only save travel time but also significantly benefit trade and commerce along this road," he said.Highlighting power and aviation sector upgrades, PM Modi added, "Today, the Sanok Hydroelectric Project and its associated transmission line have also been inaugurated."'A New Chapter In Ladakh’s Development': PM Modi Unveils ₹3,350 Crore Projects For Airport Infrastructure, Strategic Roads & Heritage Conservation | Video Speaking on the newly inaugurated Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport Terminal Building in Leh, the Prime Minister stated, "Built at a cost of about Rs 650 crore, this terminal will increase the annual passenger capacity of this airport from 10 lakh to about 35 lakh. The number of flights here can also increase up to three times. This is the country's first airport terminal in India equipped with geothermal heating facilities. Our effort is to develop modern infrastructure in Ladakh while taking complete care of the environment here."(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Leh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated and dedicated to the nation five major development projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing, covering airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, cultural heritage conservation and water security.प्रधानमंत्री@narendramodi ने वीडियो कॉन्फ़्रेंसिंग के ज़रिए लद्दाख़ को क़रीब 3,350 करोड़ रुपये की पांच प्रमुख विकास परियोजनाओं का लोकार्पण एवं शिलान्यास किया #Ladakh #ViksitBharat @MoCA_GoI @SpokespersonMoD @MinOfPower@MinOfCultureGoI LIVE: https://t.co/VjYuhzxME6 pic.twitter.com/9RDVWMjzCt— डीडी न्यूज़ (@DDNewsHindi) October 15, 2026 Addressing the gathering virtually, PM Modi said the projects would improve connectivity and access to essential services while strengthening the preservation of Ladakh's ancient heritage.Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Today, another chapter has been added to Ladakh’s progress and development. I am happy to be part of this occasion through technology. Several important development projects have been inaugurated in Ladakh today. These projects will… pic.twitter.com/sBzoyO1CIl— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2026 "Today, another chapter is being added to Ladakh's progress and development. I am pleased to be a part of this occasion through technology. Several important development projects have been inaugurated in Ladakh today. These projects will make travel easier for many people, improve electricity facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others, and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage," he said.He congratulated the people of Ladakh and those involved in the projects.VIDEO | Delhi: PM Modi inaugurates and dedicates five development projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh via video conferencing. He says, "I congratulate all the people of Ladakh on these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, workers and local associates… pic.twitter.com/wL1O1rPzbk— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 15, 2026 “I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, workers, and local colleagues involved in these projects. I also specially appreciate the colleagues of the BRO,” he said.Among the key projects inaugurated was the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 640 crore. Spread across 23,800 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually.Highlighting the airport's sustainable features, PM Modi said the terminal incorporates geothermal technology and solar energy to address the region's harsh climatic conditions.Watch the full video hereA big day for Ladakh! Projects worth around Rs. 3,350 crore are set to give the region's development fresh momentum. https://t.co/ADbqwCGmiS— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2026 "Another special feature of this terminal is that, keeping Ladakh's harsh climatic conditions in mind, geothermal technology has been used in its construction. Solar energy has also been utilised. This is the first airport terminal in India to feature geothermal heating. Congratulations to all of you," he said.Recalling that he had earlier laid the foundation stone for the terminal, PM Modi said it was a matter of satisfaction that he had the opportunity to inaugurate the project."Built at a cost of approximately Rs 650 crore, the terminal will increase the airport's annual passenger capacity from 1 million to 3.5 million, while the number of flights could also increase up to threefold," he said.The Prime Minister also dedicated the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Constructed by the BRO, the road connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley, providing an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh.#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Today, the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road has been dedicated to the people of Ladakh. Approximately Rs 2.5 thousand crore has been spent on this. The journey, which used to take 12 hours, can now be completed in 3 hours... This road will… https://t.co/lehS1nTZic pic.twitter.com/EQS5AWSAPW— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2026 The strategically important road is expected to improve logistical support for the Armed Forces while enhancing access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services for residents of the region.In the energy sector, PM Modi inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. The projects are aimed at strengthening electricity supply, improving power transmission and harnessing Ladakh's hydropower potential.The Prime Minister also inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh to protect the region's prehistoric rock carvings, which offer insights into its ancient history and cultural heritage.Additionally, 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar were inaugurated to improve water conservation and availability. The initiative seeks to address seasonal water shortages, support irrigation and strengthen agricultural livelihoods in the region.The projects collectively aim to improve infrastructure, enhance strategic connectivity, strengthen energy security, conserve cultural heritage and ensure better water management in Ladakh. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The projects include a new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh and the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, which provides an alternative route to Ladakh.