Emphasising that Ladakh’s development is a top Centre priority, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the Union Territory’s youth are receiving special attention for quality education and new technologies. As a result, they no longer need to leave for other cities.
Virtually inaugurating five major projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore, covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity, he stressed that the Government will build modern infrastructure while fully protecting the local environment.
Prioritising the younger generation’s educational empowerment, Modi highlighted plans the build a major centre of excellence in Leh and advanced 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 also said that Ladakh is adding another chapter to its progress and development today, and he was happy to be part of the occasion virtually. “Several important development projects have been inaugurated today. These projects 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,” he said.
Hailing the Centre’s initiatives, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar 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 projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore.
Recalling his earlier laying of the foundation stone for the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport terminal in Leh, the Prime Minister expressed delight at inaugurating the facility, which 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, energising 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 the PM. Underscoring the strategic and economic value of regional connectivity, the Prime Minister also 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 emphasised that beyond saving commuters’ time, this vital corridor will significantly boost local commerce. “This road will also greatly help trade and business,” noted PM Modi.
Modi also dedicated a 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line to the nation.
In addition, the prime minister inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.
“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 specially appreciate the colleagues of the BRO,” he said.
Modi said Ladakh has immense sports potential, and the youth of the Union Territory have carved out a unique identity in fields like ice hockey, winter sports, and mountaineering.
The PM said he was pleased that Ladakh is promoting sports talent through the new sports policy.
“Our effort is to ensure that the youth receive better training and facilities, and achieve new accomplishments at national and international levels,” he 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.
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 PM.
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 about the UT’s trajectory, Modi hoped that collective action would help the region reach unprecedented developmental milestones.
“Together, we will take Ladakh to new heights of development,” he said.