A new Ladakh powered by the youth

Under the Modi government, development in Ladakh has taken place  with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving connectivity, boosting its economy, and expanding social services.

New Ladakh can only be built with trust and a sense of warm belongingness. It is necessary we trust our youth and provide them leadership roles, open new vistas of employment, have them an opportunity to compete and shine , may be presently under J&K Public Service Commission arrangements and those who have been arrested during recent agitation are freed from jails immediately to create an atmosphere of trust.

The families of the youth who were unfortunately victims of a totally unwarranted police shoot out  need a healing touch by us all. It’s a deep pain that can only be felt and I am unable to find right words to describe it.

There is no doubt that Ladakh reigns supreme in the heart of PM Shri Modi. Under his visionary direction many infrastructure and connectivity projects have Bern commenced. Apart from Ladakh university,  a central university named as Sindhu university has been established that will take a proper shape and structure soon

Strategic tunnels: The foundation stone for the Shinkun La Tunnel was laid in July 2024. At 15,800 feet, it will be the world’s highest tunnel and is designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, significantly benefiting defense logistics and the local economy.

Power transmission: In late 2025, the government approved a revised cost estimate of over Rs 1,925 crore for the Nubra and Zanskar transmission lines, aiming for completion by October 2026. This project is vital for providing reliable electricity to remote areas.

Green Energy Corridor: The government has approved an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for a 13 GW renewable energy project in Ladakh, targeting completion by 2029–30. The Rs 20,773 crore project includes a 480 km HVDC line and will integrate Ladakh’s power with the national grid.

Road networks: Over 1,600 km of new roads have been constructed or upgraded since 2019 under central and UT schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These projects have improved access to remote villages and boosted tourism. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has also completed major road and bridge projects in the region.

Education and human capital: The government has invested heavily in education, with key milestones including:

New institutions: The establishment of the University of Ladakh in 2019 and Sindhu Central University in 2023.

Medical College: Approval for Ladakh’s first Medical College with 100 MBBS seats in 2025.

Literacy: A declaration in June 2024 that Ladakh is fully functionally literate, with over 97% literacy achieved under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

Night Sky Sanctuary: Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary is being developed in Hanle village to boost astro-tourism.

Local Exports: Initiatives to commercialize and promote local products have led to apricots from Ladakh being exported internationally.

New Routes: The opening of ten new tourist circuits and five new trekking routes aims to increase tourist footfall.

Union Territory status: The conversion of Ladakh into a UT in 2019 was a foundational change, intended to accelerate development and fulfill a long-standing local demand.

Language recognition: The Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025, recognized Bhoti and Purgi as official languages alongside English, Hindi, and Urdu, helping preserve linguistic heritage.

Employment: The government has implemented an 85% job reservation for local residents.

Addressing aspirations: Ongoing dialogue and committee formation involving local bodies, like the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance, address concerns related to land, employment, and the potential for Sixth Schedule protections.

Logistical challenges: Infrastructure projects face significant hurdles due to the region’s difficult terrain and harsh climate. Cost escalations and project delays can occur due to these environmental factors.

Border infrastructure: The strategic importance of the region, especially with tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has led to a focus on rapid border infrastructure development.

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