The upcoming Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is set to be the country’s first to use the cutting-edge technology of geothermal energy for heating and cooling. A solar power system is also being installed at the Leh airport (3,500 metres), making it one of the world’s highest airports.
Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, visited the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport to review the progress of the upcoming new terminal building, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 640 crore.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the facilities at the new terminal, including baggage carousels, waiting lounge, public amenities and parking space.
The Lieutenant Governor was informed 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 the construction of 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. In Phase II, the existing old terminal building will be demolished to facilitate the construction of an apron along with four additional aircraft bays and three aerobridges.
It was further informed that the addition of four new bays will significantly enhance operational capacity, enabling the airport to handle up to 54 flights per day, compared to the current 18 flights. The new terminal building is designed to cater to 3.5 million passengers annually, with a peak-hour capacity of handling 2,000 passengers per hour (1,000 arrivals and 1,000 departures).
Highlighting the project’s innovative features, officials stated that gradient floor heating using geothermal technology will be implemented on a large scale for the first time in the country. The project also integrates sustainable elements, such as solar rooftop systems to reduce carbon emissions.
It was informed that the completion timeline for the building has been revised, with the project now expected to be completed 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, especially with the anticipated increase in flight operations.
He described the project as a dream initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and directed officials to expedite the pace of work by deploying additional manpower and ensuring round-the-clock execution, with a target to complete the project by July 2026.
Saxena lauded the adoption of cutting-edge and eco-friendly technologies, particularly the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling, as well as solar power systems. He also appreciated the incorporation of locally inspired architectural elements, including prayer wheels, stupas and culturally themed departure and arrival gates, which would offer visitors an authentic glimpse of Ladakh’s rich heritage upon arrival.
The Lieutenant Governor assured full support from the UT Administration for the early operationalisation of the new terminal building and the expansion of flight operations.
He noted that the enhanced infrastructure would play a pivotal role in positioning Ladakh as a leading tourist destination in the country, while also generating significant economic opportunities for local communities associated with the tourism sector.