PM Modi launches Ladakh projects worth Rs 3,350 crore

Prioritising the educational empowerment of the younger generation so they do not have to migrate to other cities, PM highlighted the construction of a major cent- re of excellence in Leh

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi said Thursday that development of Ladakh is a top priority for Centre, emphasising that special attention is being given to the youth of the UT to ensure that they get quality education and gain opportunities to learn new technologies, obviating the need for them to move to other cities.Virtually inaugurating five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around 3,350 crore, Modi said govt aims to develop modern infrastructure in the region while taking full care of the local environment.Prioritising the educational empowerment of the younger generation so they do not have to migrate to other cities, PM highlighted the construction of a major centre of excellence in Leh alongside advancing proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu."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."Together, we will take Ladakh to new heights of development," he said.

Modi said several important development projects were inaugurated on Thursday, which 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 its ancient heritage.

The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for ₹640 crore.It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh's ecologically sensitive environment.Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line. Besides, PM also inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.