Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and dedicate five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on October 15, 2026. The programme is scheduled for approximately 12:30 PM via video conferencing, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The PM Modi Ladakh projects cover airport infrastructure, strategic road connectivity, hydropower, archaeological conservation, and water security.
What Are the Five Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore?
The five main projects are mentioned here:
1. Leh Airport’s ₹640 Crore Terminal to Handle 35 Lakh Passengers
The new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh has been built at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spread across 23,810 square metres, it is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually. The terminal incorporates geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, while its design draws on Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
2. 298-km Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road Offers Alternative Access to Ladakh
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the 298-km Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the Zanskar Valley. It provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways. According to the PMO, the road is expected to improve strategic mobility and logistical support for the Armed Forces while providing residents of Zanskar with better access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services.
3. Ladakh’s 9-MW Hanu Hydropower Project and 66-kV Line
The package includes the 9-MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66-kV double-circuit Dah–Hanu–Khaltsi Transmission Line. The PMO says the projects will strengthen power evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network.
4. Leh to Get India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. Ladakh is home to hundreds of prehistoric rock-art sites featuring carvings of wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations. The park is intended to protect these archaeological remains, raise public awareness and encourage responsible heritage tourism.
5. Project Him Sarovar Covers 40 Water Bodies Across Ladakh
Under Project Him Sarovar, 40 water bodies have been developed across 40 villages. The initiative aims to conserve water when it is available and improve its availability when required, addressing seasonal shortages that affect agriculture. The PMO says the project is intended to support irrigation, sustain agricultural livelihoods and strengthen long-term water security.
Why Are These Projects Significant for Ladakh?
The five projects span transport, energy, heritage conservation and water management, with a combined announced value of around ₹3,350 crore. Together, they are intended to improve connectivity, strengthen Ladakh’s electricity infrastructure, protect archaeological heritage and support water security.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced the programme on October 14, 2026, ahead of the planned inauguration on October 15.
Key Highlights
- Total Investment: Around ₹3,350 crore across five major development projects.
- Leh Airport Terminal: ₹640 crore investment, 23,810 sq m area and annual capacity of 35 lakh passengers.
- Strategic Road Connectivity: The 298-km Nimmu–Padum–Darcha Road provides an alternative route to Ladakh through the Zanskar Valley.
- Power Infrastructure: Includes the 9-MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and a 66-kV double-circuit transmission line.
- Heritage Conservation: India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park is planned at Sindhu Ghat in Leh.
- Water Security: Project Him Sarovar covers 40 water bodies across 40 villages in Ladakh.
- Scheduled Inauguration: October 15, 2026, at approximately 12:30 PM via video conferencing.
