Leh, July 29, 2026/ VOL News Desk/ Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today inspected the ongoing construction of the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, and reviewed the progress of works being executed to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the Union Territory.

While inspecting the project, the Chief Secretary was briefed by officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on the status of the project, construction milestones achieved so far and the timeline for completion.

The Chief Secretary toured various sections of the terminal building and reviewed the progress of the arrival and departure halls, check-in counters, security screening areas, baggage handling systems, passenger lounges, boarding gates, aerobridges, escalators, elevators, washrooms and other passenger amenities. He also inspected the ongoing interior works, architectural features, seating areas, flooring, lighting, landscaping and external development works. Officials informed him that the structural works have largely been completed, while interior finishing and installation of utilities are progressing as per schedule.

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Reviewing the proposed commercial spaces within the terminal, the Chief Secretary directed that adequate provision be made to showcase Ladakh’s traditional handicrafts, local products and cultural heritage through dedicated retail outlets.

A major highlight of the inspection was the review of the geothermal heating system being integrated into the terminal building. Officials informed the Chief Secretary that the ground-source heat pump system, based on multiple underground borewells, will provide an energy-efficient and sustainable heating solution suited to Ladakh’s extreme climatic conditions. The project is among the first such initiatives at an airport in India and is expected to significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing dependence on conventional heating systems.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the development of supporting airport infrastructure, including approach roads, parking facilities, utility corridors, airside infrastructure and operational areas, besides assessing the status of night-landing infrastructure, boundry and future capacity enhancement plans.

Emphasising the strategic importance of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport as the gateway to Ladakh, the Chief Secretary said the new terminal building would significantly enhance passenger handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and provide world-class facilities to travellers. He observed that the project would further strengthen air connectivity while contributing to tourism, economic growth and the overall development of the Union Territory.

He directed all executing agencies to maintain high standards of quality and safety, adhere to project timelines and ensure close coordination for the timely completion of the project.

The inspection was attended by the Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, Director, Airports Authority of India, Under Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, senior airport officials, engineers, project consultants and other concerned officers.