Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the new terminal building of Leh Airport along with several key development projects in the Union Territory of Ladakh in April, sources said.

Construction work on the new terminal at Leh Airport is progressing at a steady pace and is expected to be completed by April. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Modi on February 3, 2019. In addition to the airport terminal, a number of other strategic and civilian infrastructure projects are nearing completion and are scheduled for inauguration during the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Leh.

The projects form part of a broader infrastructure push by the central government in Ladakh, covering roads, tunnels, highways and other critical assets. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening connectivity for defence forces deployed along the Line of Actual Control with China in eastern Ladakh, while simultaneously improving access, livelihoods and tourism prospects for the local population.

Even as construction continues, Leh Airport has remained fully operational, handling commercial flights and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to and from the region. Officials said the ability to carry out large-scale infrastructure upgrades without disrupting airport operations reflects careful planning and efficient execution.

The new terminal building is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience and capacity. Designed as a modern and sustainable facility, it will feature 20 check-in counters, centralised heating and cooling systems, and the ability to handle up to 1,000 passengers each in arrivals and departures.

In a major step towards green aviation, the upcoming terminal will be among the first in the country to operate on a hybrid energy model using geothermal and solar power. The approach is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and align with India’s broader vision of environmentally sustainable infrastructure, while supporting the growing inflow of domestic and international tourists to Ladakh.

News source: Daily Excelsior