Inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, on the 28 of January, it aims to improve air connectivity and encourage more tourist footfalls via air travel.
The project that was initiated in 2023 has finally been completed at a cost of approximately Rs 452 crores, despite the uncertain weather conditions and limited working season.
The Parallel Taxi Track Project includes the construction of a parallel taxi track, two large aircraft dispersals and five taxi links, all designed to support operations of heavy aircraft. The project will significantly improve operational efficiency, safety and responsiveness of the airfield for both military and civil aviation.
Highlighting the importance of the Leh Airfield for Ladakh’s tourism-based economy, the Lt Governor said that year-round safe civil air operations enable the flow of tourists to the region, supporting the local economy and directly benefiting residents through improved connectivity. He added that the Indian Air Force has consistently played a crucial role in assisting the people of Ladakh, particularly during civilian medical emergencies, by airlifting critical patients to advanced hospitals in Delhi and Chandigarh. He also acknowledged the Air Force’s humanitarian efforts under Operation Sadbhavana, including winter air connectivity, medical camps and community outreach programmes.
