Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson and DC/CEO Santosh Sukhadeve undertook an official visit to the construction site of the new Domestic Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (KBR) Airport in Leh on September 11. The visit was aimed at assessing the advancement of geothermal works and reviewing the final touches being applied to the terminal, which is anticipated to become a model of sustainable airport infrastructure in India.

Abhishek Kumar Singh, AGM of Engineers India Ltd., delivered the presentation. The meeting was attended by Vinayaka Moorti, Engineer In Charge at the Airport Authority of India; Ramandeep, APD of Leh; and representatives from the working agency M/s SPCPL. The new terminal, spanning 23,810 square meters, is designed to handle up to 3.2 million passengers annually. It features comprehensive facilities to manage peak-hour traffic and includes a modern check-in counter and security system.

During the visit, the officials noted that the utility buildings have seen significant progress, with RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) works completed across all floors and AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) block walls finished. Additionally, cable tray installations in these buildings are complete. In the terminal building itself, RCC work has been finalized for all levels. Interior AAC block work is mostly done, with some modifications still pending. Roofing work is nearing completion, with 95% of the bottom liner sheets installed. Cable trays have been laid in the utility tunnel, which is also finished, and other essential structures, such as the STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) have been completed. The terminal will feature an advanced geothermal-based HVAC system, which will contribute significantly to its sustainability. Excavation work is ongoing for the city-side terminal building roof.

CEC and DC also planted a tree at the new airport complex as part of the symbolic "Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam" campaign initiated by the Prime Minister. This act continues to support and promote the campaign's objectives. This ambitious project is poised to set a new benchmark for airport infrastructure, combining modern design with sustainability. The visit highlights the commitment to ensuring the project's successful and timely completion.