Ladakh is set to witness a major transformation in its power sector, with three key power transmission projects expected to be completed by September this year. The projects will connect strategically important regions, including Zanskar, Nubra and the Siachen Base Camp, to the national power grid for the first time.

Being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), the projects aim to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to remote and border areas, reduce dependence on diesel generators and contribute to the vision of a carbon-neutral Ladakh. Once completed, six of the seven districts of Ladakh, barring Changthang, will be connected to the power grid.

The status of these major power infrastructure projects was reviewed recently by Lieutenant Governor Vijay Kumar Saxena, who was briefed by senior officials, including the Chairman and Managing Director of REC Limited and the Joint Secretary (Transmission), Ministry of Power, Government of India.

The projects include the construction of a 189-kilometre-long 220 KV transmission line from Drass to Padum and a 79-kilometre-long 220 KV transmission line from Phyang to Disket. Both projects, with a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,925 crore, are targeted for completion by September 2026.

The new transmission network will ensure round-the-clock electricity supply to remote and strategically important locations such as Siachen and Padum, significantly improving power connectivity in border areas.

At present, several strategically important regions, including Nubra, Changthang and Zanskar, are not connected to the national grid and rely on limited local generation sources, resulting in restricted and intermittent power availability. The upcoming projects are expected to substantially expand power infrastructure across Ladakh’s remote regions.

In Zanskar, four substations will be established to ensure electricity reaches all parts of the valley. In Nubra, two substations at Siachen Base Camp and Partapur are planned. Meanwhile, Changthang will see the development of eight substations under the 66 KV transmission network at Durbuk, Phobrang, Chushul, Mudh-Nyoma, Korzok, Hanle, Koyul and Chumathang, improving electricity access across the high-altitude plateau.

Highlighting the importance of reliable power supply, L-G Saxena said uninterrupted electricity is essential not only for infrastructure development but also for education, healthcare, livelihoods, tourism, digital connectivity and economic growth.

“Connecting areas like Nubra and Zanskar to the grid for the first time will mark a historic milestone in Ladakh’s development journey. These projects are of immense strategic and developmental significance and will benefit every household and village in Ladakh through reliable, round-the-clock electricity supply,” he said.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the projects, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the new transmission lines and substations would strengthen border infrastructure, improve living conditions for local communities and support inclusive development in Ladakh’s remotest regions.

He directed all implementing agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure timely completion so that residents, especially those in remote and border areas, can access dependable power supply at the earliest.