Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on April 9 visited Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport to review the progress of the upcoming New Terminal Building being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹640 crore.

During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor inspected key facilities at the new terminal, including baggage carousels, waiting lounges, public amenities, and parking infrastructure.

Officials informed him that the state-of-the-art terminal, spread over approximately 19,000 square metres, is being developed as a three-level structure and will be completed in two phases. Phase I includes 20 check-in counters, an inline baggage handling system (BHS), provision for a 700 kWp rooftop solar power system, two arrival carousels, 15 lifts, and 12 escalators. Phase II will involve demolition of the existing old terminal building to construct an apron with four additional aircraft bays and three aerobridges.

The addition of four new bays is expected to significantly enhance operational capacity, enabling the airport to handle up to 54 flights per day, compared to the current 18. The new terminal is designed to cater to 3.5 million passengers annually, with a peak-hour handling capacity of 2,000 passengers (1,000 arrivals and 1,000 departures).

Highlighting innovative features, officials noted that gradient floor heating using geothermal technology will be implemented on a large scale for the first time in the country. The project also incorporates sustainable elements such as rooftop solar systems to reduce carbon emissions.
It was further informed that the project timeline has been revised, with completion now expected by August 2026.

During the inspection, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the new terminal would serve as a major catalyst in boosting tourist footfall in Ladakh, particularly with the anticipated increase in flight operations. Describing it as a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he directed officials to expedite work by deploying additional manpower and ensuring round-the-clock execution, setting a target for completion by July 2026.

L-G Saxena lauded the adoption of eco-friendly and cutting-edge technologies, especially the use of geothermal energy and solar power. He also appreciated the incorporation of locally inspired architectural elements such as prayer wheels, stupas, and culturally themed arrival and departure gates, which would offer visitors an authentic glimpse of Ladakh’s rich heritage.

The Lieutenant Governor assured full support from the UT Administration for early operationalisation of the new terminal and expansion of flight services.

He noted that the enhanced infrastructure would play a key role in positioning Ladakh as a leading tourist destination while generating significant economic opportunities for local communities associated with the tourism sector.