LG Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed officials to fast-track construction of the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, setting a revised completion target of July 2026 to support rising tourist demand.
The ₹640-crore project spans nearly 19,000 sq m and is being developed as a three-level terminal in two phases. Phase I includes 20 check-in counters, an inline baggage handling system, two arrival carousels, 15 lifts, 12 escalators, and a 700 kWp rooftop solar system. Phase II will see the demolition of the existing terminal to enable apron expansion, adding four aircraft bays and three aerobridges.
Once complete, the airport’s capacity will increase significantly, from handling 18 flights a day to 54, while accommodating up to 3.5 million passengers annually. Peak-hour capacity is projected at 2,000 passengers.
A key highlight is the large-scale use of geothermal-based floor heating, a first for Indian airports, alongside solar integration to reduce carbon emissions. With local architectural elements woven into the design, the terminal aims to enhance both efficiency and cultural experience, positioning Ladakh as a stronger tourism and connectivity hub.
