Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and dedicate five major development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Leh, Ladakh on Thursday, 16 October 2026, addressing a public gathering via video conferencing at around 12:30 pm IST, according to government officials. The projects span connectivity, energy infrastructure, cultural heritage conservation, and water security — collectively representing one of the largest single-day development pushes in the Union Territory.

New Airport Terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spread across 23,800 square metres, the facility is designed to handle up to 35 lakh passengers annually. The terminal incorporates geothermal energy systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, a deliberate nod to Ladakh's ecologically sensitive environment. It blends modern passenger amenities with architectural elements drawn from Ladakh's cultural heritage, and is expected to significantly strengthen air connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country.

Strategic Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road Dedicated to the Nation

Modi will dedicate to the nation the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The route connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley, crossing the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass — a considerable engineering feat in challenging Himalayan terrain. The road provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the existing Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways. Beyond its strategic value in enhancing operational mobility and logistical support for the Armed Forces, it will improve access to healthcare, education, markets, and essential services for residents of the Zanskar region.

Energy Projects: Hydropower and Transmission Boost

As part of efforts to harness Ladakh's renewable energy potential, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV Double-Circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. The two projects are designed to strengthen power evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh's electricity network. They represent a step toward unlocking the region's hydropower resources and building a more resilient energy grid in a Union Territory that has long been dependent on seasonal power availability.

India's First Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat

Recognising Ladakh's rich prehistoric heritage, Modi will inaugurate India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. Ladakh is home to hundreds of ancient rock art sites featuring carvings of wildlife, human figures, and symbolic forms that document thousands of years of human settlement in the region. The conservation park will provide a dedicated space for protecting these vulnerable archaeological remains, promote public awareness, and encourage responsible heritage tourism — addressing concerns about the erosion of irreplaceable cultural records.

Project Him Sarovar: Water Security Across 40 Villages

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar, aligned with the objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar. The initiative addresses a longstanding seasonal imbalance in Ladakh: while snowmelt and glacial runoff generate substantial water during certain months, farmers face acute scarcity during the critical sowing season. Project Him Sarovar seeks to conserve water when available and release it when needed, supporting irrigation, sustaining agricultural livelihoods, and building long-term water security for communities across the region. Notably, this is one of the few water conservation projects specifically tailored to Ladakh's high-altitude geographical and climatic conditions.

The inauguration underscores the Centre's continued focus on infrastructure-led development in Ladakh following its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. All five projects are expected to have lasting civilian and strategic impact on one of India's most strategically sensitive regions.