Strategic Expansion: BRO To Construct Nyoma Airfield In Eastern Ladakh, Foundation Stone To Be Laid On 12 September

The strategic Nyoma belt in eastern Ladakh will soon have a new airfield, according to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The construction of this airfield is estimated to cost Rs 218 crore.

On 12 September, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lay the foundation stone for the airfield through videoconferencing.

This development will enhance the transportation capabilities in the region.

The Nyoma is currently an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), which means that the runway is built of mud, allowing only specialised cargo aircraft such as the C-130J and helicopters to land. Once the new runway is completed, bigger transport planes will be able to operate from Nyoma, increasing the Indian military's strategic depth.

Nyoma is 13,000 feet above sea level; India discontinued using it during the war with China in 1962 but reactivated it in 2010.

The Nyoma ALG has been crucial during the ongoing stand-off with China since 2020. It has facilitated the transportation of men and materials. Notably, it has successfully accommodated Chinook heavy-lift choppers and the C-130J special operations aircraft.

The Nyoma is strategically crucial since it is the nearest airbase (46 kilometres) in eastern Ladakh to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The airbase allows for the rapid mobility of persons and materials in the area.

Nyoma has the world's most advanced air traffic control system. It is used to watch movements on the other side of the border from 14,000 feet in the air.

The construction of the airstrip will significantly improve the air infrastructure in Ladakh and strengthen the Indian Air Force's capabilities along the northern borders, the official added.

India's action comes as China has already completed upgrades to all of its facilities along the LAC, including larger runways and tougher shelters, among other things. It has also built new heliports, including one in Tianshuihai, near the Galwan Valley and the Aksai Chin region, and another in Rutog County, near the northern bank of the Pangong Tso, according to ThePrint.

In addition to the airfield project, Defense Minister Singh will also inaugurate and dedicate 90 infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,941 crore, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to the nation.

On 12 September, Singh will also inaugurate the reconstructed and revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore airfields in West Bengal, as announced by the PRO.

The BRO has successfully reconstructed these airfields at a cost of Rs 529 crore, as per PTI report.

According to him, these airfields will enhance the defensive and offensive capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the northern borders. Additionally, they will also support commercial flight operations in the region.