Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated five development projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh on Thursday. The key project was the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, which he dedicated to the nation. The road will provide an alternative route to Ladakh, improving connectivity in the region.

After the inauguration, Modi said the projects would improve access to electricity and water while supporting the preservation of ancient heritage. He also highlighted the rapid progress of the Zojila Tunnel project.

"Until 2019, Ladakh had a network of about 1800 km of roads. Today, this network has grown to more than 4000 km. Earlier, there were 19 big bridges. Today, there are about 75 bridges. The number of helipads has also increased from 7 to more than 40. Earlier, only 3.5% of houses in Ladakh had water from the tap. Today, about 99% of houses have access to water from the tap. The number of beds in the hospitals in Ladakh has also increased to two times. Work is moving very fast on important projects such as the Zojila Tunnel..." PM Modi said after virtually inaugurating development projects.

Modi also inaugurated the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Built for Rs 640 crore, the terminal covers around 23,800 square metres and can handle 3.5 million passengers annually.

The building will offer modern passenger facilities while showcasing Ladakh's cultural heritage. It also uses geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The five projects include the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line. Both aim to strengthen Ladakh's electricity infrastructure and improve the reliability of its power network.

The hydropower project will also help harness the region's renewable energy potential. Given Ladakh's difficult terrain, reliable electricity and better road and air connectivity remain essential for residents and strategic requirements.

The projects also focus on water security, transport infrastructure and cultural heritage preservation across the Union Territory.