Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects in Ladakh worth approximately ₹3,150 crore through video conferencing, highlighting significant infrastructure upgrades and economic initiatives for the Union Territory.
The centerpiece project is the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed at a cost of ₹650 crore. This terminal increases the airport's annual passenger capacity from 1 million to 3.5 million passengers and enables a potential threefold increase in flight operations. Notably, it represents India's first airport terminal equipped with geothermal heating facilities, incorporating both geothermal technology and solar energy to address Ladakh's harsh climatic conditions while maintaining environmental considerations.
The ₹2,500 crore Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road project significantly reduces travel time between these locations from approximately 12 hours to just 3 hours, expected to greatly enhance trade and commerce connectivity. In the power sector, the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission line were inaugurated, alongside ongoing work on a modern electricity generation project in the Puga Valley.
Water infrastructure received attention with the dedication of 40 reservoirs built under Project Amrit Him Sarovar, designed to provide farmers with reliable irrigation water. The government also inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh to preserve and showcase Ladakh's ancient cultural heritage.
The speech highlighted substantial progress in Ladakh's infrastructure since becoming a Union Territory in 2019. Road network has expanded from 1,800 km to over 4,000 km, major bridges increased from 19 to 75, and helipads grew from 7 to over 40. Tap water access dramatically improved from 3.5% to nearly 99% of households, while hospital bed capacity doubled. The Zojila Tunnel project is progressing rapidly toward providing year-round connectivity.
Economic development initiatives include significant growth in tourism infrastructure with homestays increasing from 150 to 3,000 units, and the establishment of 11,000 greenhouses for agricultural development. The Vibrant Villages Programme is developing over 40 border villages as "first villages" of India, creating employment opportunities in remote areas. Digital connectivity has been expanded through BharatNet and high-speed internet to support online businesses, education, and market access.
Educational infrastructure is being enhanced with a Centre of Excellence in Leh, plus proposed satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. The region's sports potential is being developed through a new sports policy focusing on ice hockey, winter sports, and mountaineering.
Commercial opportunities for local products are being promoted through GI tagging for Ladakh apricots, and international promotion of pashmina, sea buckthorn, handicrafts, and fruits. Special attention is being given to the Changpa community's pashmina production and commercial flower cultivation in high-altitude regions.
Institutional development includes the recent approval for establishing a High Court Bench in Ladakh in August 2026 to improve administrative and judicial accessibility.