Chief Secretary reviews progress on new terminal at Leh airport

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Aug 11: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra today chaired a meeting to review the progress of construction of the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, and the commencement of civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra.

The meeting reviewed the status of the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, including its remaining works, commissioning, augmentation of passenger and ground-handling capacity, winter operations, flight slots and preparedness for increased air connectivity.

Airport Director and General Manager (Projects), AAI, A. Umashanker, gave a detailed presentation on the current status and salient features of the new terminal building. He informed that the majority of the construction work is expected to be completed by September 15, 2026.

Executive Director, AAI, Rakesh Sharma, and Executive Director (Planning), AAI, Nandita Bhat, also briefed the meeting on the progress of Thoise Airport, including the existing runway, interim operations, tentative existing layout and proposed modifications, along with the issues requiring resolution for commencement of civil operations.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed issues concerning Kargil Airport, particularly land availability and the expansion and dual-use potential of the existing airport infrastructure.

The meeting discussed the feasibility of utilising available land for strengthening airport facilities, subject to the necessary clearances and coordination with the Ministry of Defence.

The importance of strengthening air connectivity to Kargil, including facilities for medical and emergency evacuation, was also highlighted.

Leh and Thoise airports were identified as priority locations for strengthening aviation infrastructure and operational preparedness. The meeting also reviewed issues related to the operationalisation of Kargil Airport and coordination with the Air Force regarding land and other requirements.

The meeting was attended by DGP Ladakh Anand Jain, Secretary Civil Aviation Nidhi Malik, Secretary Planning Himanshu Gupta, Secretary PWD Bashir-ul-Haq Chaudhary, AOC Leh Ajay Rathi, Airport Director and General Manager (Projects), AAI, A. Umashanker, OSD to Chief Secretary (Special Projects) Moses Kunzang, and other senior officers from the concerned departments and agencies.