The projects include the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh, the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network, 40 reservoirs under Project Amrit Him Sarovar, and India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh.
The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Ladakh and acknowledged the efforts of engineers, labourers, local workers and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel who executed infrastructure works in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 650 crore. According to the Prime Minister, the facility will triple the airport's flight capacity and increase its annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh. The terminal incorporates geothermal heating alongside solar energy to address the region's harsh climate. Modi said the infrastructure would support tourism while taking environmental considerations into account.
The Prime Minister also dedicated the Rs 2,500-crore Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, which is expected to reduce travel time from 12 hours to around three hours. The route is expected to improve regional connectivity and support local trade and commerce.
In the power sector, Modi dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network, highlighting the role of reliable electricity in improving access to education, healthcare and opportunities for small businesses. He also referred to ongoing power generation initiatives in Puga Valley.
To strengthen water security and support agriculture, the Prime Minister dedicated 40 reservoirs developed under Project Amrit Him Sarovar. The reservoirs are intended to provide irrigation water to farmers during critical cultivation periods.
Modi also outlined infrastructure development in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019. He said the road network had expanded from 1,800 km to more than 4,000 km, while the number of major bridges had increased from 19 to nearly 75 and helipads from seven to more than 40. Tap water coverage had risen from 3.5% to nearly 99% of households, while hospital beds had doubled. The ongoing Zojila Tunnel project is expected to strengthen all-weather connectivity between the region and the rest of the country.
Tourism and local economic development also featured in the Prime Minister's address. He said more than 40 border settlements were being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages Programme to encourage economic activity and generate employment. The number of local homestays had grown from around 150 to 3,000, while the promotion of protected cultivation had led to approximately 11,000 operational greenhouses across the region.
On access to justice, Modi said the government had approved the establishment of a High Court Bench for Ladakh in August 2026. He also highlighted the expansion of BharatNet and high-speed internet connectivity to improve access to e-governance, online education and digital business opportunities in remote areas.
To expand educational opportunities, the Prime Minister referred to the development of a Centre of Excellence in Leh and proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. These initiatives aim to improve access to higher education, research and technical skills for local youth. He also highlighted the implementation of Ladakh's new sports policy and efforts to develop training facilities for ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering.
The Prime Minister emphasised the commercial potential of Ladakh's local products, including sea buckthorn, handicrafts, GI-tagged apricots, high-altitude floriculture and Pashmina wool produced by the Changpa community. He said efforts were underway to strengthen branding, expand market access and improve returns for local producers.
As part of the region's heritage conservation efforts, Modi inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh to preserve ancient rock art. He also highlighted the importance of protecting Ladakh's monasteries, Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage associated with revered spiritual leader Kushok Bakula Rinpoche.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Ladakh's development remained a priority, with infrastructure investment, improved connectivity, education, tourism, digital access and cultural conservation expected to support the region's long-term growth.
