Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday inaugurated the ambitious Parallel Taxi Track (PTT) Project at Air Force Station Leh, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing operational readiness of the Indian Air Force while significantly improving civil air connectivity in the high-altitude Union Territory.
Completed at an estimated cost of ₹452 crore, the project was launched in 2023 and executed under challenging climatic conditions and a limited working season. The newly inaugurated taxi track has the potential to function as a main runway, streamlining air traffic flow and facilitating the operations of heavy aircraft, thereby strengthening both military preparedness and civilian aviation in the region.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Leh Airfield, the Lieutenant Governor said it plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security along the northern borders and remains a vital lifeline for Ladakh’s residents, especially during winter months when the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways remain closed.
The PTT Project comprises a parallel taxi track, two large aircraft dispersal areas and five taxi links, designed to enhance safety, efficiency and responsiveness of air operations. The LG noted that military aircraft operations on the new facility have already commenced with certain restrictions, and assured that the UT Ladakh Administration will take steps to remove obstacles near Glory Hill to make the taxi track fully operational for civil aviation as well.
He added that the new facility will also serve as a critical alternative during future resurfacing of the main runway, for which directions have already been issued to the concerned departments.
Underscoring the project’s economic significance, the LG said improved and year-round air connectivity will boost tourism in Ladakh, strengthen the local economy and provide direct benefits to residents. He also lauded the Indian Air Force for its humanitarian role in the region, including airlifting critically ill patients to advanced hospitals and conducting community welfare initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana.
Terming the coordination between Air Force Station Leh and the UT Ladakh Administration as “exemplary,” the Lieutenant Governor said the successful execution of key infrastructure projects across Leh, Nyoma, Taru Thang, Khardung La Top and Niddar reflects a strong model of civil-military cooperation and good governance.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Air Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha, and senior officials from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Ladakh Police and the UT Administration.
