Ladakh youth to get quality education, access to technology and self-reliance: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the virtual inauguration of five development projects for Ladakh worth ₹3,350 crore on Thursday, October 15, 2026 in New Delhi. Photo credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 15, 2026) said that special attention is being given to the youth of Ladakh to get quality education, get opportunities to learn new technologies and not depend on other cities.

Practically inaugurating five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around ₹ 3,350 crore, Mr. Modi also said that proposals to set up satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu are progressing and through these academic centers the youth of Ladakh will have access to better opportunities in their own region for higher education, research and new skills.

“Our special focus is on the new generation of Ladakh. The youth should get good education, they should get opportunities to learn new technologies and not depend on other cities. That’s why a major center of excellence is being set up in Leh,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that another chapter is being added to the progress and development of Ladakh today and he is happy to be a part of the occasion virtually.

“Several important development projects were inaugurated today. These projects will make travel easier for many people in Ladakh, improve electrical facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others and enhance the preservation of our ancient heritage,” he said.

The projects include a new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built at a cost of ₹640 million. It incorporates geothermal energy to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment.

Mr. Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298 km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), the nine MW Hanu small hydro project and the 66 kV Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi double-circuit transmission line.

Besides, the Prime Minister also inaugurated India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies created in 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.

“I heartily congratulate all the people of Ladakh for these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, laborers and local colleagues involved in these projects. I especially appreciate the BRO colleagues,” he said.

Mr. Modi said that Ladakh has huge potential in sports and the youth of the Union Territory has created a unique identity in areas like ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering.

The Prime Minister said he was pleased that efforts were being made to promote sports talent through the new sports policy in Ladakh.

“Our endeavor is to ensure that the youth receive better training and equipment and achieve new achievements at the national and international levels,” he said.

The Prime Minister said some time ago that he had laid the foundation for the terminal building at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and it was his good fortune to have the opportunity to inaugurate this important project today.

“This is the first airport terminal in India equipped with geothermal heating facilities. Our endeavor is to develop modern infrastructure in Ladakh while taking full care of the environment,” he said.

The terminal will also bring new energy to the tourism sector in Ladakh, he said.

“I heartily congratulate all my brothers and sisters of Ladakh for this modern airport terminal,” he said.

Referring to road projects, Mr. Modi said that a journey that once took about 12 hours can now be completed in just three hours.

“This will not only save travel time but also significantly benefit trade and commerce along this road,” he said.

“Earlier I had the honor of laying the foundation stone and inaugurating the power transmission line connecting Srinagar and Leh. Today, the Sanok hydropower project and associated transmission lines were also inaugurated,” Mr. Modi said.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 19:29 IST