Leh, October 16, 2025: The Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, chaired a review meeting today to assess the progress of the ongoing construction of the New Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport, Leh at the VC Room of the DC Office, Leh.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh, Ghulam Mohd (JKAS), Chief Planning Officer, Tsewang Gyalson, officials from various departments of Leh, representatives of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the concerned executing contractors.
During the meeting, the AAI team introduced themselves and presented a detailed progress presentation on the current status of the project. The presentation included information on the existing airport facilities, salient features of the new terminal building, master plan development (Phase-II), terminal roofing work, geothermal borehole completion schedule, and other critical issues. The new terminal building is designed to incorporate modern passenger amenities such as two departure gates, aerobridge connections, escalators, and lifts across three levels, ensuring accessibility and convenience for passengers.
The meeting also reviewed the geothermal system being installed at the site, which utilizes groundwater maintaining an average temperature of 12°C. This system will serve as a sustainable heating and cooling solution, providing warmth during Ladakh’s harsh winters and cooling in summers — a major step toward energy efficiency and green infrastructure in the region. Further discussions were held on showcasing Ladakh’s cultural identity through the inclusion of traditional stupas, art, and cultural motifs within the airport premises.
DC Leh instructed the AAI team and the cultural officers to regularly inspect the site to ensure the quality and authenticity of the traditional artwork, including paintings and designs being incorporated into the new terminal building. He also directed the departments to work collaboratively, assist each other where needed, and communicate any challenges faced during execution.
The AAI team highlighted certain challenges, including limited manpower, delays in the transportation of materials due to road conditions, shortage of skilled labour, and pending works such as flooring and false ceiling installation, which have impacted the project’s pace. The DC emphasized the importance of strong inter-departmental coordination and timely logistical support to ensure smooth progress.
Following the review meeting, the DC Leh, along with the ADC, CPO, and AAI officials, conducted a field visit to the KBR Airport construction site to review ongoing works and inspect progress on the ground. The AAI team briefed the DC on the status of various components, including lifts, cultural artwork, BMN area, geothermal system, and glass installation works.
DC Leh instructed the team to provide a realistic project completion date along with a weekly progress timeline and targets. He also informed that he would revisit the site next week to assess further progress.
