Narendra Modi Inaugurates Rs 3,350 Crore Ladakh Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated five development projects in the Union Territory of Ladakh on October 15, 2026, totaling approximately Rs 3,350 crore. Speaking from New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched initiatives focused on connectivity, energy, cultural preservation, and water security.

Key infrastructure upgrades include a Rs 640 crore passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, which increases capacity from 18 to 54 flights per day to accommodate 3.5 million annual passengers. The Border Roads Organisation completed the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, connecting Leh to Himachal Pradesh to improve military logistics and civilian access to the Zanskar Valley.

Energy and environmental projects include the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project, the 66 kV Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line, and 40 water bodies under Project Him Sarovar to mitigate seasonal water scarcity for farmers. Additionally, the Prime Minister opened India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat.

Parallel to these inaugurations, a Sub-Committee from the Ministry of Home Affairs met in Leh with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The discussions addressed demands for a UT-level elected body with legislative, financial, and executive powers, as well as the implementation of parts of Article 371.