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| Ladakh’s transformation since UT status: PM Modi unveils projects worth Rs 3,350 crore | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing. Marking a new chapter in the region’s development, the Prime Minister launched several key projects aimed at improving connectivity, expanding access to electricity and water, and preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage.
Modi recalled the enthusiasm of people waving the Tricolour amid fresh snowfall in Zanskar and expressed gratitude to the engineers, labourers, local workers and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel who had executed the challenging projects.
“I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects,” he said.
Recalling the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport terminal in Leh, the Prime Minister expressed delight at inaugurating the facility, built at a cost of Rs 650 crore. The terminal is expected to triple flight-handling capacity and increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh.
He highlighted that the terminal was the first in India to feature geothermal heating alongside solar energy utilisation to suit the region’s harsh climatic conditions. He said the facility would boost local tourism while balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection.
“Our effort is to develop modern infrastructure in Ladakh while taking full care of the local environment,” he said.
Underscoring the strategic and economic importance of regional connectivity, Modi dedicated the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, built at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, to the people of Ladakh. He said the road would reduce travel time from 12 hours to just three hours.
Emphasising the wider economic benefits of the corridor, the Prime Minister said it would save commuters’ time and significantly boost local commerce.
“This road will also greatly help trade and business,” he said.
Building on the earlier inauguration of the Srinagar–Leh transmission line, Modi dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to develop modern power generation facilities in Puga Valley.
He said reliable electricity would transform rural life by lighting homes and supporting children’s education, healthcare services and small-scale enterprises.
“Every sector will benefit from it,” he said.
Highlighting efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience and water security in the high-altitude region, the Prime Minister dedicated 40 newly constructed reservoirs developed under Project Amrit Him Sarovar to the local community. He said the water bodies would support the agricultural economy by ensuring water availability during critical cultivation periods.
“These will help in providing water for irrigation to farmers at the time of need,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significant infrastructure development achieved in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019. He said the road network had expanded from 1,800 kilometres to more than 4,000 kilometres, while the number of major bridges had increased from 19 to nearly 75. The number of helipads had also risen from seven to more than 40.
He further stated that tap water coverage had increased from 3.5 per cent to nearly 99 per cent of households and that the number of hospital beds had doubled. The ongoing Zojila Tunnel project, he said, would provide improved all-weather connectivity to the region.
“Today, for the Central Government, the development of Ladakh is a top priority,” he said.
Highlighting initiatives to create new avenues for regional prosperity, Modi pointed to the promotion of winter and adventure tourism across the Union Territory. He added that more than 40 border villages were being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages Programme to stimulate grassroots economic activity.
“This is creating employment opportunities even in far-flung villages,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of tourism-related infrastructure and modern agricultural practices in Ladakh. He said the number of local homestays had increased from around 150 to 3,000. He also noted that the promotion of protected cultivation had resulted in the establishment of 11,000 operational greenhouses across the region.
“These have created new possibilities for increasing farmers’ income,” he said.
Addressing the long-standing demand for improved access to justice, Modi said the government had approved the establishment of a High Court Bench for Ladakh in August this year. He said the move would strengthen judicial access and facilitate the delivery of justice to the people.
“This will make the justice system accessible alongside administration,” he said.
Emphasising the role of digital connectivity in promoting commerce and economic growth, the Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of BharatNet and high-speed internet services in remote parts of Ladakh. He said efforts were underway to improve access to e-governance services, online education and global markets for local entrepreneurs, including those running hotels, restaurants and homestays and those engaged in traditional crafts.
“Today, online business is opening new avenues of income,” he said.
Focusing on higher education and skill development, Modi highlighted the construction of a Centre of Excellence in Leh and the advancement of proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. He said these initiatives would enable local students to access advanced research opportunities and develop modern technological skills without having to migrate to other cities.
“The youth of Ladakh will be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research and new skills right in their own region,” he said.
Recognising the achievements of Ladakhi youth in ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering, the Prime Minister welcomed the implementation of the region’s new sports policy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing modern training facilities to help local athletes excel at national and international levels.
“We are striving to provide the local youth with enhanced training and facilities so they can scale new heights on national and international platforms,” he said.
Praising the craftsmanship of local artisans and the produce of Ladakh’s farmers, Modi said he frequently gifted Ladakhi products to international leaders. He recalled presenting such products to the German Chancellor, the Swedish Prime Minister and the President of Kyrgyzstan.
He highlighted the commercial potential of sea buckthorn, handicrafts, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged apricots, high-altitude commercial floriculture and traditional Pashmina wool produced by the Changpa community. He said the government was working to strengthen Pashmina’s global identity and improve the branding and market access of regional products.
“Our effort is that the products here get new markets, get better branding, and their benefits reach the producers directly,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage, including its ancient monasteries, Buddhist traditions and festivals associated with the revered Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh to protect historic rock art.
He said the initiative would help preserve the region’s heritage and enable future generations and visitors from across the world to learn about Ladakh’s rich history.
“People coming from the country and the world will also become familiar with the rich history of Ladakh,” he said.
Concluding his address on an optimistic note, Modi reiterated his commitment to accelerating Ladakh’s development through collective efforts. He congratulated the people on the new infrastructure projects and expressed confidence that the region would achieve further progress.
“Together, we all will take Ladakh to new heights of development,” he said. |
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