The projects are expected to improve transport links in the Himalayan region, where difficult terrain and harsh winters often disrupt movement. According
to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the new infrastructure will support local communities and improve strategic connectivity for the armed forces. The projects also include India’s first petroglyph conservation park and new water storage facilities in 40 villages.
Leh airport gets new Rs 640 crore terminal
The new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh has been constructed at a cost of Rs 640 crore.
Spread across 23,800 square metres, the terminal can handle up to 35 lakh passengers annually. It uses geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.
The building’s design incorporates elements of Ladakh’s cultural heritage alongside passenger facilities.
New 298-km road connects Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh
Another major project is the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The 298-km road connects Nimmu near Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley. It provides an alternative route to Ladakh alongside the existing Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways.
The road passes through difficult Himalayan terrain, including Shinkun La Pass. It is expected to improve access to healthcare, education and markets for people living in remote areas.
The route also holds strategic significance for transporting military personnel and supplies.
Hydropower and electricity projects launched
Modi inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line.
According to the PMO, these facilities will strengthen the electricity network and improve power supply reliability in Ladakh.
India’s first petroglyph conservation park inaugurated
The Prime Minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh.
The park aims to preserve ancient rock carvings depicting animals, human figures and symbols. These carvings offer evidence of human activity in the region dating back thousands of years.
40 villages get new water conservation facilities
The fifth initiative covers 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.
The project aims to store water for agricultural use, particularly during periods when farmers face shortages.
Ladakh experiences seasonal differences in water availability, with snowmelt and glacial runoff varying throughout the year. The government expects the storage facilities to improve irrigation access and support farming communities.
