Leh, October 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in the Union Territory of Ladakh, focusing on improving connectivity, strengthening electricity infrastructure, enhancing water security and preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
The projects were launched through video conferencing and include a new passenger terminal at Leh airport, a strategic road connecting Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh, a small hydropower project, a transmission line, India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park and water bodies developed under Project Him Sarovar. Together, these initiatives aim to support Ladakh’s development and improve essential infrastructure in the strategically important Himalayan region.
New Leh Airport Terminal to Boost Connectivity
One of the key projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister is the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
Constructed at a cost of ₹640 crore, the modern terminal covers approximately 23,800 square metres and is designed to accommodate 35 lakh passengers annually. The expanded infrastructure is expected to strengthen air connectivity, support tourism and improve passenger-handling capacity as travel demand in Ladakh grows.
Improved airport facilities are particularly important for the region, where difficult terrain and climatic conditions make reliable transportation infrastructure essential.
Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road Strengthens Strategic Connectivity
Prime Minister Modi also dedicated the 298-kilometre-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the road connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley.
The route provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the existing Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways. Besides improving access to remote areas, the road is expected to strengthen strategic mobility and facilitate movement across the region.
Better road connectivity can also create opportunities for tourism, local trade and economic activity in areas that have historically faced transportation challenges.
Push for Energy Security and Reliable Power Supply
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 9-megawatt Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66-kilovolt Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line.
These projects are intended to strengthen Ladakh’s electricity infrastructure, improve power transmission and enhance the reliability of the regional electricity network. The hydropower project also contributes to efforts to harness the region’s renewable energy potential.
Reliable electricity infrastructure is essential for supporting households, public services, businesses and future economic activities across Ladakh.
India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park Inaugurated
Another significant initiative is India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, dedicated to preserving the region’s ancient rock-art heritage.
Ladakh is home to numerous archaeological sites featuring petroglyphs, or images and symbols carved into rock surfaces. The conservation park is expected to provide a dedicated space for protecting these historical remains, raising public awareness and encouraging responsible heritage tourism.
The initiative highlights the importance of safeguarding Ladakh’s cultural legacy alongside infrastructure development.
Project Him Sarovar to Improve Water Security
As part of the development programme, the Prime Minister also inaugurated 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening water availability and supporting local water-management efforts. Water security remains particularly important in Ladakh because of its high-altitude geography, arid climate and limited water resources in several areas.
The projects collectively reflect an emphasis on improving essential services while supporting the region’s long-term development.
With investments spanning transport, electricity, water infrastructure and heritage conservation, the initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening Ladakh’s connectivity and development potential.
