Leh: Asserting that the development of Ladakh is a top priority for the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said special attention is being given to the youth of the Union territory so that they get quality education, gain opportunities to learn new technologies, and need not to move to other cities any longer.
Virtually inaugurating five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around Rs 3,350 crore, Modi also said the Central government aims to develop modern infrastructure in the region while taking full care of the local environment.
Prioritising 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 centre of excellence in Leh alongside advancing proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu.
These premier institutions will equip local students with advanced research and modern technological skills right at their doorstep, Modi said.
“Our special focus is on the new generation of Ladakh. The youth of Ladakh will now be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills right in their own region,” he said.
The prime minister said several important development projects were inaugurated on Thursday, which will make travel easier for many people in Ladakh, improve electricity facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others, and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage.
The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore. It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment.
Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line.
Besides, the prime minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.
“Today, the development of Ladakh is a top priority for the Central government. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, workers and local colleagues involved in these projects. I especially appreciate the colleagues of the BRO,” Modi said.
Addressing a long-standing regional demand for closer judicial access, Modi said the government in August officially approved the establishment of a high court bench for Ladakh, and fulfilling this crucial institutional requirement will streamline both governance and legal recourse for the citizens.
“This will make the justice system accessible alongside administration,” he said.
Modi also said that Ladakh has immense potential in sports, with the youth of the Union territory carving out a unique identity in ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering.
The prime minister said he was pleased that efforts are being made to promote sporting talents through the new sports policy in Ladakh.
“Our effort is to ensure that the youth receive better training and facilities, and achieve new accomplishments at national and international levels,” he said.
Emphasising the role of digital connectivity in driving modern commerce for hotels, restaurants, homestays and local crafts, Modi detailed the expansion of ‘BharatNet’ and high-speed internet across the remote pockets of the region.
Continuous efforts are underway to ensure seamless access to e-governance, online education for youth, and global market integration for local entrepreneurs, he said.
“Today, online business is opening new avenues of income,” he said.
Referring to the new terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, the prime minister said it is the first terminal in India equipped with geothermal heating facilities.
“The terminal will also bring new energy to the tourism sector in Ladakh,” he said.
The prime minister also said that more than 40 border settlements are currently being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages programme to stimulate grassroots economic activity.
“This is creating employment opportunities even in the far-flung villages,” he said.
Praising the craftsmanship of local artisans and farmers, the prime minister shared how he frequently gifts Ladakhi products to world leaders, including the German chancellor and the Swedish prime minister.
He stressed that the government is actively strengthening Pashmina’s global identity and expanding market branding for regional goods.
“Our effort is to ensure that local products get new markets, get better branding, and their benefits reach the producers directly,” he said.
Expressing optimism for the UT’s trajectory, Modi hoped that with collective action, the region will reach unprecedented developmental milestones.
“Together, we will take Ladakh to new heights of development,” he said.
Ladakh’s infra transformed: LG
Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena hailed the Centre’s initiatives on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated five development projects in Ladakh, including airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity, worth around Rs 3,350 crore.
Saxena said the region has seen a major transformation in infrastructure and living standards under the Prime Minister’s leadership since it became a Union Territory in 2019.
Saxena said, “Five new infrastructure projects would prove to be milestones in Ladakh’s development, strengthening connectivity, water security, power supply and preservation of cultural heritage.”
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) thanked Narendra Modi for his leadership and support, saying the people of Ladakh’s seven districts looked forward to his address with high hopes and aspirations.
The Prime Minister inaugurated five projects, including a modern passenger terminal at Leh airport; the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road connecting the Zanskar valley; India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh; the 9 MW Hanu Hydroelectric Project; and power transmission infrastructure and 35 water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar initiative.
“The inauguration of the Banga Bot Kharu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66-kV Thahanu-Khalsti transmission line will also help strengthen the region’s power infrastructure,” the LG said.
Saxena said the new airport terminal would improve air connectivity and passenger facilities, particularly during winter, while the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road would connect remote areas with the mainstream of development and strengthen internal security.
Highlighting 2019, he said granting Ladakh Union Territory status fulfilled a long-standing demand for a distinct identity and greater recognition.
“The formation of five new districts in April this year and the recent approval for establishing Autonomous Hill Development Councils in all seven districts were important steps towards fulfilling local aspirations,” he said.
Saxena said Ladakh was improving road connectivity and other infrastructure, while work under the Jal Jeevan Mission was progressing to provide clean drinking water to households despite sub-zero temperatures.
He said new policies were also being introduced to economically empower Pashmina herders, while agricultural diversification was helping increase farmers’ incomes.
