PM Modi to Launch ₹3,350 Crore Projects in Ladakh
Five projects covering air connectivity, strategic roads, hydropower, heritage conservation and water security will be inaugurated on October 15.
- PM Modi to launch five Ladakh projects worth around ₹3,350 crore on October 15.
- New Leh airport terminal to handle 35 lakh passengers annually.
- The 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road will improve strategic and civilian connectivity.
- Hydropower, a petroglyph park and 40 village water bodies target energy, heritage and water security.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and dedicate five development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on October 15, strengthening the region’s transport links, energy infrastructure, cultural preservation and water security.
The projects will be launched at around 12:30 PM through video conferencing, and the Prime Minister will address the gathering on the occasion.
A major highlight is the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spread across 23,800 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually. It incorporates geothermal energy to improve efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, while its design combines modern facilities with elements of Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister will also dedicate the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation. Connecting Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley, the road will provide an alternative route to Ladakh alongside the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways.
Crossing challenging Himalayan terrain, including the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass, the road is expected to strengthen strategic mobility and logistical support for the Armed Forces. It will also improve access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services for residents of Zanskar.
Boost to energy and water security
The projects also include the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These facilities are intended to improve electricity generation, power evacuation and the reliability of Ladakh’s power network.
In a significant step towards protecting the region’s archaeological heritage, Modi will inaugurate India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. Ladakh’s ancient rock carvings depict wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations, offering insights into the region’s long cultural history. The park will provide a dedicated space for conservation, public awareness and responsible heritage tourism.
The fifth initiative, Project Him Sarovar, involves the development of 40 water bodies across 40 villages. The project aims to address seasonal water shortages by conserving water when it is available and making it accessible during critical periods, particularly the sowing season.
Agriculture in Ladakh depends heavily on seasonal snowmelt and glacial runoff, creating an imbalance between water availability and demand. The new water bodies are expected to support irrigation, protect agricultural livelihoods and strengthen long-term water security in the region.
Together, the five projects seek to address Ladakh’s distinctive geographical challenges while improving connectivity, supporting local communities and strengthening essential infrastructure in the strategically important Himalayan region.
