Rs.650 crore Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport terminal in Leh inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around Rs.3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 Oct via video conferencing, celebrating a new chapter in the region’s development through projects designed to ease travel, improve electricity and water access, and preserve ancient heritage.
He expressed delight at inaugurating the Rs.650 crore Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport terminal in Leh, noting the tripling of capacity to handling of 35 lakh passengers a year from 10 lakh previously.
He highlighted that the terminal is India’s first to feature geothermal heating alongside solar energy usage to suit the harsh climate, energizing local tourism while balancing infrastructure growth with ecological care. “Our effort is to develop modern infrastructure in Ladakh while taking full care of the local environment,” said PM Modi.
Underscoring the strategic and economic value of regional connectivity, the Prime Minister dedicated the Rs.2,500 crore Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road to the citizens, pointing out that it slashes travel time from 12 hours down to just 3 hours. He emphasized that beyond saving commuters’ time, this vital corridor will significantly boost local commerce. “This road will also greatly help trade and business,” he added.
Building upon his prior inauguration of the Srinagar-Leh transmission line, the Prime Minister dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network while noting ongoing modern power generation initiatives in Puga Valley. He explained that reliable electricity transforms rural life by illuminating homes and empowering children’s education, healthcare delivery, and small-scale enterprises. “Every sector will benefit from it,” said the PM.
Focusing on agricultural resilience and water security across the high-altitude terrain, the Prime Minister dedicated 40 newly constructed reservoirs developed under Project Amrit Him Sarovar to the local community. He stated that these water bodies are designed to support the agrarian economy during critical cultivation cycles. “These will help in providing water for irrigation to farmers at the time of need.”
The Prime Minister detailed sweeping infrastructural gains since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019. He noted that the road network has expanded from 1,800 kilometers to over 4,000 kilometers, major bridges have increased from 19 to nearly 75, helipads have grown from 7 to over 40, tap water coverage has surged from 3.5 percent to nearly 99 percent of households, hospital beds have doubled, and the ongoing Zojila Tunnel is set to provide all-weather national connectivity. “Today, for the Central Government, the development of Ladakh is a top priority,” PM Modi underlined.
Highlighting targeted efforts to unlock new avenues of regional prosperity, the Prime Minister pointed to the active promotion of winter and adventure tourism across the territory. He added that over 40 border settlements are currently being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages program to stimulate grassroots economic activity. “This is creating employment opportunities even in far-flung villages.”
Illustrating the rapid expansion of hospitality and modern agriculture, the Prime Minister observed that local homestays have multiplied from roughly 150 to 3,000. He simultaneously highlighted the continuous promotion of protected cultivation, which has resulted in 11,000 operational greenhouses across the region. “These have created new possibilities for increasing farmers’ income.”
Emphasizing the role of digital connectivity in driving modern commerce for hotels, restaurants, homestays, and local crafts, the Prime Minister detailed the expansion of BharatNet and high-speed internet across remote pockets of the territory. He explained that continuous efforts are underway to ensure seamless access to e-governance, online education for youth, and global market integration for local entrepreneurs. “Today online business is opening new avenues of income,” noted the PM.
Prioritizing the educational empowerment of the younger generation so they do not have to migrate to other cities, the Prime Minister highlighted the construction of a major Centre of Excellence in Leh alongside advancing proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. He stated that these premier institutions will equip local students with advanced research and modern technological skills right at their doorstep. “The youth of Ladakh will be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills right in their own region,” he affirmed.
Concluding his address with deep optimism for the territory’s trajectory, the Prime Minister reiterated his faith in collective action to elevate the region to unprecedented developmental milestones. He offered his final congratulations and traditional greetings to the citizens for the newly launched infrastructure works. “Together, we all will take Ladakh to new heights of development,” assured PM Modi. Fiinews.com
