By A Correspondent

Leh (Ladakh): Aiming to develop civil aviation infrastructure in Leh air base, the Indian Air Force has built a new facility to meet the growing demand of tourism and regional transport from the Ladakh region, close to the Line of Actual Control in the China-occupied Aksai Chin.

The completed Parallel Taxi Track (PTT) project at the Air Force Station Leh was inaugurated by Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on January 28, 2026, in the presence of Western Air Command Senior Air Staff Officer Air Marshal JS Mann.

Gupta, in his address, said the Leh airfield held immense strategic importance for national security along the northern borders and served as a vital lifeline for the people of Ladakh, particularly during the winter months when road connectivity via the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways remained closed.

He said the PTT project included the construction of two large aircraft dispersal areas, and five taxi links, all designed to support the operations of heavy cargo aircraft.

“The project will substantially enhance the operational efficiency, safety and responsiveness of the airfield for both military and civil aviation,” he said.

Gupta said military aircraft operations on the new taxi track have already commenced with certain restrictions.

The Ladakh administration would take necessary steps to remove obstacles near Glory Hill to make the facility fully operational for civil air traffic, he assured.

He said the parallel taxi track would be extremely useful during future resurfacing of the main runway, for which directions were already issued to the concerned departments.

Highlighting the importance of Leh airfield to Ladakh’s tourism-based economy, the Lieutenant Governor said year-round safe civil air operations facilitate tourist inflow, support the local economy, and directly benefit residents by improving connectivity.

“The IAF has consistently played a crucial role in assisting the people of Ladakh, especially during medical emergencies, by airlifting critically ill patients to advanced hospitals in Delhi and Chandigarh,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the strong coordination and bonhomie between Air Force Station Leh and the Ladakh Administration was a rare and exemplary model of civil-military cooperation.

The successful execution of major infrastructure projects at Leh, Nyoma, Taru Thang, Khardung La Top, and Niddar reflects this robust synergy and cooperative governance, he added.

“The inauguration marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Civil Aviation infrastructure in Ladakh and the spirit of close cooperation between the Civil Administration and all agencies involved in the region’s development,” a Ministry of Defence statement said on January 29, 2026.

The infrastructure, initiated in 2023 and completed at a cost of approximately INR 452 crore, was upgraded in record time despite extremely challenging high altitude terrain and adverse weather conditions, it said.

“The upgraded infrastructure will enable smoother aircraft ground movement and facilitate quicker civil aviation departures,” the statement said. These improvements will enhance passenger convenience, and reduce turnaround time,” it added.

The improved air connectivity is expected to provide a strong impetus to tourism in the Leh sector, generating economic opportunities and supporting local livelihoods. “This development contributes meaningfully to Ladakh’s long-term socio-economic growth,” the statement said.

At the same time, the enhanced facilities would ensure more reliable air services for residents and visitors alike, while also strengthening the region’s ability to respond swiftly to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) requirements.

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