India plans four airports, 37 helipads for boosting Ladakh connectivity

The Indian government is looking to boost air connectivity to Ladakh with four new airports and 37 helipads being planned across the Union Territory. These new air links will not only boost tourism but will also serve as vital assets for the armed forces and would help deliver quick relief during natural disasters. The land has been identified for four new airports capable of handling wide bodied aircraft, including an alternate airfield for the town of Leh and a direct link to the Zanskar valley. An airport is also being planned near Changtang that links to Pangong Tso.