PM Modi to Launch Rs 3,350 Cr Development Boost in Ladakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate five major development projects in Ladakh worth Rs 3,350 crore, focusing on connectivity, energy, and water.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to transform the landscape of Ladakh with a massive developmental push. On October 15, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and dedicate five major projects, valued at approximately Rs 3,350 crore, to the nation via video conferencing. These initiatives are designed to fortify connectivity, bolster energy infrastructure, preserve ancient heritage, and ensure water security in the high-altitude region.
Revolutionising Air Travel: New Leh Airport Terminal
In a significant upgrade to the region's aviation infrastructure, PM Modi will inaugurate the New Passenger Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Constructed at a cost of Rs 640 crore, this modern facility spans 23,800 square metres and is engineered to accommodate 35 lakh passengers every year.
The terminal is not just about capacity; it is a model for sustainable development. Key features include:
- Geothermal Energy Integration: The facility uses geothermal energy to enhance efficiency and minimize its carbon footprint in Ladakh's sensitive ecosystem.
- Cultural Fusion: The design blends contemporary passenger amenities with the rich, traditional aesthetics of Ladakh.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The terminal aims to drastically improve air travel convenience between Ladakh and the rest of India.
Strategic Road Connectivity: The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Link
A major engineering feat, the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), will be dedicated to the nation. This road cuts through the formidable Himalayan terrain, including the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass, to connect Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh.
This project serves two critical purposes:
- Strategic Mobility: It provides an essential alternative corridor to the existing Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways, strengthening logistical support for the Armed Forces.
- Socio-Economic Upliftment: For the residents of the remote Zanskar Valley, the road will provide much-needed access to healthcare, education, markets, and essential services.
Strengthening Energy and Water Security
To harness the natural potential of the region, the Prime Minister will launch two key energy projects: the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These projects are expected to stabilize the electricity network and improve power evacuation across Ladakh.
Addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, PM Modi will also inaugurate 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar. This initiative, aligned with Mission Amrit Sarovar, aims to tackle the seasonal water imbalance faced by Ladakhi farmers. By conserving snowmelt and glacial runoff, the project ensures water is available during crucial sowing seasons, thereby securing agricultural livelihoods.
Preserving History: India's First Petroglyph Conservation Park
In a move to protect the region's ancient archaeological treasures, the Prime Minister will inaugurate India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat, Leh. Ladakh is home to thousands of years of history etched into rock, featuring prehistoric carvings of humans and wildlife.
The new park will serve as a dedicated sanctuary for these vulnerable sites, promoting responsible heritage tourism and ensuring that the civilisational past of Ladakh is preserved for future generations.