Ladakh: Narendra Modi inaugurates five projects, Rs 3,350 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated five development projects worth about Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing on 15 October 2026, DD News reported. The package covers Leh airport’s new terminal, the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, hydropower and transmission infrastructure, 40 reservoirs and a park for conserving ancient rock art.^[1]

The Prime Minister’s Office said the projects were intended to ease travel, improve electricity and water availability, and protect Ladakh’s cultural heritage. Modi acknowledged the engineers, labourers, local workers and Border Roads Organisation personnel involved in their construction.^[2]

The projects have different construction histories. The airport terminal’s foundation stone was laid in 2019. At Hanu, an administrative inspection in August 2026 recorded electricity generation alongside outstanding work on water diversion and safety, before the October dedication.^[3][4]

Leh terminal expands passenger capacity

The new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport is designed to increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Its account puts the terminal’s cost at Rs 650 crore and says it uses geothermal heating and solar energy to suit Ladakh’s climate.^[2]

CNBC-TV18, citing officials, reported a terminal area of 23,800 square metres and the same annual capacity of 35 lakh passengers, but gave the construction cost as Rs 640 crore. The inauguration accounts do not explain the difference between that figure and the Rs 650 crore cited by the Prime Minister’s Office.^[5][2]

An earlier Airports Authority of India release records that Modi laid the terminal’s foundation stone on 3 February 2019. The authority then envisaged capacity for 20 lakh passengers annually and completion in December 2022. Those were the earlier plans, rather than the capacity and inauguration date now reported.^[3]

The earlier release described a design incorporating Buddhist architectural elements, 18 check-in counters, baggage-handling systems and centralised cooling and heating. It also specified elevators, escalators and stairs connecting the terminal’s different levels. At the inauguration, Modi linked the completed terminal to tourism while saying infrastructure development should take account of the local environment.^[3][2]

Road adds a corridor through Zanskar

Modi also dedicated the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, which the Prime Minister’s Office valued at Rs 2,500 crore. He said it would reduce travel time from 12 hours to three hours and help trade and business. The account does not identify the precise journey covered by that comparison.^[2]

The road is 298 kilometres long and was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation, according to CNBC-TV18. Citing an official statement, the publication reported that it connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through Zanskar, providing an alternative to the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways. The route passes through Shinkun La Pass.^[5]

The statement described benefits for both civilian movement and military logistics. It said the corridor would improve access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services for Zanskar residents, while strengthening mobility and logistical support for the armed forces. These are the benefits set out in the announcement, rather than measured outcomes following the inauguration.^[5]

Hanu power project follows readiness inspections

The energy component comprises the 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line, CNBC-TV18 reported. The associated network is intended to carry generated electricity into the wider power system and improve supply reliability.^[5]

An earlier Ladakh administration account provides details of the project’s preparations. During an inspection on 17 August 2026, Deputy Commissioner Kunzes Angmo was informed that Hanu was generating approximately 7 MW. Officials said it could reach its full generation potential once water from the stream was properly diverted into the tunnel at the intake works.^[4]

Angmo directed the removal of accumulated debris and proper channelisation of the stream. The department told her that tenders for debris removal had been floated and that work was expected to begin the following week. She also ordered priority fencing of the switchyard after observing inadequate protection against unauthorised access and risks to personnel and the public.^[4]

The October inauguration account does not give an updated generation reading or detail the completion of those specific works. Modi said reliable electricity would support households, children’s education, healthcare and small enterprises. He also referred to ongoing power-generation initiatives in Puga Valley.^[2]

Reservoirs address seasonal irrigation needs

The water component consists of 40 newly constructed reservoirs. The Prime Minister’s Office described them as works under Project Amrit Him Sarovar and said they would provide irrigation water when farmers needed it.^[2]

CNBC-TV18 identified the initiative as Project Him Sarovar and reported that the water bodies were spread across 40 villages, in line with Mission Amrit Sarovar’s objectives. Its account explained the seasonal problem: farmers can face shortages during sowing even though snowmelt and glacial runoff supply water at other times. The reservoirs are intended to store available water for periods of agricultural demand.^[5]

The fifth project is the Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, which the government described as India’s first. Petroglyphs are carvings on rock; CNBC-TV18’s account describes Ladakh’s rock art as including wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations. Modi said conservation would help future generations and visitors learn about the region’s history.^[5][2]

Beyond the five inaugurations, Modi discussed higher-education initiatives intended to reduce students’ dependence on other cities. The Prime Minister’s Office described a Centre of Excellence in Leh as under construction and satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu as proposals being advanced, not facilities opened at this event.^[2]

References

1. DD News. PM Modi inaugurates development projects worth Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh. 15 October 2026.
2. Prime Minister’s Office, pmindia.gov.in. PM inaugurates five development projects worth Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh.
3. Airports Authority of India. New Terminal Building with enhanced capacity in making at Leh Airport.
4. Ladakh administration, ladakh.gov.in. DC Sham Reviews Preparedness of Hanu and Dah Hydro Electric Projects for Commissioning and Inauguration. 18 August 2026.
5. CNBC-TV18. PM Modi inaugurates 5 key projects worth Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh.