PM Modi Inaugurates 5 Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore in Ladakh, Dedicates Strategic Road to Nation

October 15, 2026

Leh (Ladakh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated to the nation five major development projects worth approximately Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh via video conferencing. These projects include airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, renewable energy, preservation of cultural heritage, and water security.

Addressing the event virtually, the Prime Minister said that these projects will ease transportation in the region, improve electricity and water availability, and help preserve Ladakh’s ancient heritage. He congratulated the people of Ladakh, as well as the engineers, workers, and team of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) for these projects.

New Passenger Terminal at Leh Airport, Capacity for 3.5 million Passengers Annually

The Prime Minister inaugurated the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh. Built at a cost of approximately ₹640 crore, the terminal covers an area of ​​23,800 square meters and is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually.

PM Modi stated that geothermal technology and solar energy were used in the terminal’s construction, taking into account the harsh climatic conditions of Ladakh. According to him, this is India’s first airport terminal to use geothermal heating technology.

The Prime Minister stated that the new terminal will increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 1 million to 3.5 million. This is also expected to triple the number of flights.

298-kilometer-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road Dedicated to the Nation

PM Modi also dedicated the 298-kilometer-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the nation. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), this road connects Nimmu in Leh to Darcha in Himachal Pradesh via the Zanskar Valley.

This route will provide an alternative connectivity corridor for Ladakh. It is expected to strengthen military movement and logistical support in the region, while also helping local people access healthcare, education, markets, and other essential amenities.

Emphasis on Power, Water Conservation, and Ancient Heritage

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These projects aim to strengthen power supply, ensure better power transmission, and utilize Ladakh’s hydropower potential.

In addition, India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park was inaugurated at the Indus Ghats in Leh. The park aims to preserve the prehistoric rock paintings and ancient rock carvings in the region. These rock paintings provide insights into Ladakh’s history and cultural heritage.

To promote water conservation, 40 water bodies developed in 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar were also inaugurated. The initiative aims to mitigate seasonal water stress, provide water for irrigation, and support the livelihoods of people dependent on agriculture.

These five projects aim to strengthen infrastructure in Ladakh, improve strategic connectivity, enhance energy security, preserve cultural heritage, and improve water management.