PM Modi inaugurates five Ladakh projects worth Rs 3,350 crore, including airport terminal and strategic road

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated five development projects worth around Rs 3350 crore in Ladakh covering airport infrastructure strategic road connectivity hydropower heritage conservation and water securityThe projects include a new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh the 298km NimmuPadumDarcha Road power infrastructure upgrades Indias first Petroglyph Conservation Park and 40 water bodies developed under Project Him SarovarLeh airport gets Rs 640crore passenger terminalThe new passenger terminal at Leh airport has been built at a cost of Rs 640 crore Spread across 23800 square metres the facility is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annuallyThe terminal incorporates geothermal energy systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint Its design combines modern passenger facilities with elements of Ladakhs cultural heritage with the aim of improving passenger convenience and strengthening air connectivity with the rest of the country298km road to provide alternative connectivityPM Modi also dedicated the 298km NimmuPadumDarcha Road constructed by the Border Roads Organisation BRO The route connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley providing an alternative corridor alongside the SrinagarLeh and ManaliLeh highwaysThe road crosses challenging Himalayan terrain including the highaltitude Shinkun La Pass It is expected to improve logistical support for the armed forces and provide residents of Zanskar with better access to healthcare education markets and essential servicesHydropower projects to strengthen electricity networkThe prime minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV doublecircuit DahHanuKhaltsi transmission lineThe two facilities are intended to improve power evacuation infrastructure and strengthen the reliability of Ladakhs electricity network The projects also form part of efforts to use the regions hydropower potential to support energy securityModi said the initiatives would address several local infrastructure needsToday another chapter is being added to Ladakhs progress and development I am happy to be part of this occasion through technology Several important development projects have been inaugurated in Ladakh todayThese projects will make travel easier for many people improve electricity facilities in some areas increase water availability in others and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage Modi saidPetroglyph park to preserve ancient rock artThe prime minister also inaugurated Indias first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh Ladakh contains hundreds of prehistoric rock art sites featuring carvings of wildlife human figures and symbolic representationsThe park is intended to protect these archaeological remains raise public awareness and encourage responsible heritage tourismProject Him Sarovar targets water shortagesUnder Project Him Sarovar 40 water bodies have been developed across 40 villages to improve water conservation and availabilityAgriculture in Ladakh faces seasonal water shortages particularly during sowing despite the availability of snowmelt and glacial runoff at other times of the year The initiative seeks to conserve water when supplies are available and make it accessible when needed supporting irrigation agricultural livelihoods and longterm water security The project aligns with the objectives of Mission Amrit SarovarWith inputs from PTI