Ladakh gets 5 projects worth Rs 3,350 crore

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five major development projects in Ladakh on Thursday, each valued at around Rs 3,350 crore. The focus of these projects is on improving connectivity, strengthening power infrastructure, conserving cultural heritage and enhancing water security.

Among the projects, the new passenger terminal at Leh airport, costing Rs 640 crore, was installed. This 23,800-square-meter terminal, spread over the area, is designed to handle up to 35 lakh passengers annually and features modern passenger facilities along with elements of Ladakh's cultural heritage.

Another significant project, the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, a 298-km-long road connecting Leh with Himachal Pradesh, was also inaugurated. The project, completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), provides better connectivity to Ladakh and strengthens the movement of personnel and supplies for the Armed Forces.

PM Modi also launched India's first petroglyph conservation park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. The park aims to protect Ladakh's ancient rock art and archaeological heritage, which includes hundreds of prehistoric rock art sites with carvings of animals, human figures, and symbolic designs.

Moreover, the Prime Minister introduced two energy-related projects: the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. These projects aim to improve the region's electricity network reliability and strengthen infrastructure needed for transmitting power generated in the region.

Lastly, the fifth project, Project Him Sarovar, involves developing 40 water bodies across 40 villages. The initiative targets improving water conservation and long-term water security in Ladakh, supporting irrigation, protecting agricultural livelihoods, and enhancing water management in the region.