Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a new terminal building of the KBR Airport in Leh, Ladakh, in Jammu-Kashmir. He also inaugurated a 9MW Dah Hydro-Electric Project and dedicated 220 KV (S/C) transmission line for overall electrification of every household.

The government said that the new terminal building to be built at a cost of Rs 480 crore ensures the realisation of the equitable development of all three regions of Jammu-Kashmir for the first time in history.

Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the projects, PM Modi hailed the valour of the people of Ladakh and recognised their contribution in the wars that India fought in defence of its borders.

“Ladakh is the land of brave people. Whether it was 1947, 1962 or the Kargil conflict, the brave people of Ladakh have always defended the sovereignty and integrity of India,” he said.

Wearing a Ladakhi gown and traditional head gear, the PM expressed confidence that he will inaugurate the projects the foundations of which he laid today.

“The warmth of your reception has relieved the little cold I felt when I landed here today. I was humbled by the blessings of elderly mothers who came to receive me on my arrival despite the bitter cold. I promise to return your warmth with full interest through development of this region,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister said that over three lakh tourists visited Leh during the last year and around a lakh also travelled to the Kargil district during that period.

“This figure is around half the total number of tourists who visited the Kashmir Valley last year. Tourism in Ladakh will reach new heights in the coming years and I promise that,” Modi said

“Over 40 per cent of your population is compromised of students and your longstanding demand for setting up a university here is being fulfilled today.”

He also said that an amendment has been made in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act and they have been given more rights in matters related to expenses.

“Now the Autonomous Council disburses the funds that are meant for the development of the region,” the PM said.

“Central Government has been working with Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. It’s our top priority that no area remains untouched from development,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Sunday on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir where he is slated to inaugurate developmental projects and officially kickstart the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll campaign in the state.

He will later begin the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) poll campaign in Jammu division by addressing a mega public rally in Vijaypur town, Samba district.

Authorities suspended mobile internet services in Srinagar in view of his arrival.