Leh, April 9: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday reviewed the progress of the New Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport and directed officials to expedite work to ensure its completion by July-end.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor inspected key facilities including baggage carousels, waiting lounges, public amenities and parking areas at the under-construction terminal, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹640 crore.
Officials informed that the state-of-the-art terminal, spread over around 19,000 square metres, is being built as a three-level structure in two phases. Phase I includes 20 check-in counters, an inline baggage handling system, a 700 kWp rooftop solar power setup, two arrival carousels, 15 lifts and 12 escalators. In Phase II, the existing terminal will be demolished to make way for an apron, four additional aircraft bays and three aerobridges.
The expansion is expected to significantly enhance operational capacity, enabling the airport to handle up to 54 flights daily, compared to the current 18. The new facility will cater to 3.5 million passengers annually, with a peak-hour handling capacity of 2,000 passengers.
Highlighting the project’s unique features, officials said gradient floor heating using geothermal technology will be implemented on a large scale for the first time in the country. The terminal will also incorporate solar energy systems to reduce carbon emissions.
Emphasising the importance of the project, Saxena said the new terminal will act as a major catalyst in boosting tourist footfall in Ladakh, especially with increased flight operations. He described it as a dream project of Narendra Modi and instructed officials to deploy additional manpower and ensure round-the-clock work to meet the revised July 2026 deadline.
The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the use of eco-friendly technologies and the incorporation of Ladakhi architectural elements such as prayer wheels, stupas and culturally themed arrival and departure gates, which will offer visitors a glimpse of the region’s heritage.
Assuring full support from the UT Administration, Saxena said the enhanced infrastructure will play a key role in positioning Ladakh as a leading tourist destination while generating economic opportunities for local communities.
