Finance
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh today via video conferencing. Celebrating a new chapter in the region’s development through virtual participation, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple key projects designed to ease travel, improve electricity and water access, and preserve ancient heritage. He fondly noted the enthusiasm of citizens waving the Tricolor amidst fresh snowfall in Zanskar, while extending his gratitude to the engineers, laborers, local workers, and the BRO personnel who executed these challenging works.”I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Recalling his earlier laying of the foundation stone for the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport terminal in Leh, the Prime Minister expressed delight at inaugurating the 650-crore-rupee facility that triples flight capacity and expands annual passenger handling from 10 lakh to 35 lakh. He highlighted that the terminal is India’s first to feature geothermal heating alongside solar energy usage to suit the harsh climate, energizing local tourism while balancing infrastructure growth with ecological care.”Our effort is to develop modern infrastructure in Ladakh while taking full care of the local environment,” asserted Shri Modi.
Underscoring the strategic and economic value of regional connectivity, the Prime Minister dedicated the 2,500-crore-rupee Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road to the citizens, noting that it slashes travel time from 12 hours down to just 3 hours. He emphasized that beyond saving commuters’ time, this vital corridor will significantly boost local commerce.”This road will also greatly help trade and business,” noted Shri Modi.
Building upon his prior inauguration of the Srinagar-Leh transmission line, the Prime Minister dedicated the Hanu hydroelectric project and its associated transmission network while noting ongoing modern power generation initiatives in Puga Valley. He explained that reliable electricity transforms rural life by illuminating homes and empowering children’s education, healthcare delivery, and small-scale enterprises.”Every sector will benefit from it,” observed Shri Modi.
Focusing on agricultural resilience and water security across the high-altitude terrain, the Prime Minister dedicated 40 newly constructed reservoirs developed under Project Amrit Him Sarovar to the local community. He stated that these water bodies are designed to support the agrarian economy during critical cultivation cycles.”These will help in providing water for irrigation to farmers at the time of need,” noted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister detailed sweeping infrastructural gains since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019. He noted that the road network has expanded from 1,800 kilometers to over 4,000 kilometers, major bridges have increased from 19 to nearly 75, helipads have grown from 7 to over 40, tap water coverage has surged from 3.5 percent to nearly 99 percent of households, hospital beds have doubled, and the ongoing Zojila Tunnel is set to provide all-weather national connectivity.”Today, for the Central Government, the development of Ladakh is a top priority,” asserted Shri Modi.
Highlighting targeted efforts to unlock new avenues of regional prosperity, the Prime Minister pointed to the active promotion of winter and adventure tourism across the territory. He added that over 40 border settlements are currently being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages program to stimulate grassroots economic activity.”This is creating employment opportunities even in far-flung villages,” noted Shri Modi.
Illustrating the rapid expansion of hospitality and modern agriculture, the Prime Minister observed that local homestays have multiplied from roughly 150 to 3,000. He simultaneously highlighted the continuous promotion of protected cultivation, which has resulted in 11,000 operational greenhouses across the region.”These have created new possibilities for increasing farmers’ income,” observed Shri Modi.
Addressing a long-standing regional demand for closer judicial access, the Prime Minister announced that the government officially approved the establishment of a High Court Bench for Ladakh in August this year. He stated that fulfilling this crucial institutional requirement will streamline both governance and legal recourse for citizens.”This will make the justice system accessible alongside administration,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Emphasizing the role of digital connectivity in driving modern commerce for hotels, restaurants, homestays, and local crafts, the Prime Minister detailed the expansion of BharatNet and high-speed internet across remote pockets of the territory. He explained that continuous efforts are underway to ensure seamless access to e-governance, online education for youth, and global market integration for local entrepreneurs.”Today online business is opening new avenues of income,” noted Shri Modi.
Prioritizing the educational empowerment of the younger generation so they do not have to migrate to other cities, the Prime Minister highlighted the construction of a major Center of Excellence in Leh alongside advancing proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. He stated that these premier institutions will equip local students with advanced research and modern technological skills right at their doorstep.”The youth of Ladakh will be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills right in their own region,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Recognizing the distinct athletic identity carved out by local youth in ice hockey, winter sports, and mountaineering, the Prime Minister welcomed the implementation of Ladakh’s new sports policy to nurture regional talent. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing world-class training facilities to help local athletes excel globally.”We are striving to provide the local youth with enhanced training and facilities so they can scale new heights on national and international platforms,” asserted Shri Modi.
Praising the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans and farmers, the Prime Minister shared how he frequently gifts Ladakhi products, having presented them to the German Chancellor, the Swedish Prime Minister, and the President of Kyrgyzstan, while highlighting the vast commercial potential of sea-buckthorn, handicrafts, GI-tagged apricots, high-altitude commercial floriculture, and the traditional Pashmina crafted by the Changpa community. He stressed that the government is actively strengthening Pashmina’s global identity and expanding market branding for regional goods.”Our effort is that the products here get new markets, get better branding, and their benefits reach the producers directly!” asserted Shri Modi.
Honoring the priceless cultural heritage of ancient monasteries, Buddhist traditions, and festivals inspired by Revered Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh to safeguard historic rock art. He emphasized that preserving this legacy ensures both future generations and global visitors can deeply connect with the region’s antiquity.”People coming from the country and the world will also become familiar with the rich history of Ladakh,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Concluding his address with deep optimism for the territory’s trajectory, the Prime Minister reiterated his faith in collective action to elevate the region to unprecedented developmental milestones. He offered his final congratulations and traditional greetings to the citizens for the newly launched infrastructure works.”Together we all will take Ladakh to new heights of development,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Source: PIB
