India’s Highest Runway at Nyoma Nears Completion, Set for Year-End Trial

By A Staff Reporter — Leh, Ladakh: Project Himank’s Chief Engineer, Brigadier Vishal Srivastava, announced that construction of the Nyoma airfield runway in Ladakh is nearly complete, marking a significant milestone for India’s military infrastructure. At an altitude of 13,700 feet, the Nyoma airfield will be India’s highest runway, strategically positioned to accommodate a variety of aircraft, from the heaviest military transports to fighter jets.

Brigadier Srivastava reported that the runway is in its final stages, with only finishing touches left before an anticipated joint inspection with the Indian Air Force. “By this year’s end, we hope to complete the entire runway, enabling us to conduct a trial landing soon,” he stated, underscoring the project’s record-time construction amidst extreme conditions. With winter temperatures dropping to as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius, the construction team worked within a narrow six-month window, from May to November.

Initiated on August 23, with the foundation stone laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Nyoma airfield is a testament to modern construction techniques and high-altitude engineering. The team used state-of-the-art technology, including cold-setting compounds and specialized additives, to ensure a high-quality build despite the fast pace. This blend of innovation and resilience helped the project avoid compromises on quality, according to Srivastava.

The new airfield is poised to bolster both defense capabilities and the socio-economic landscape of Ladakh’s remote regions, benefiting areas such as Hanley, Loma, and Nyoma. "This development will support the movement of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, which will, in turn, enhance military logistics, emergency response, and local economic growth," added Brigadier Srivastava.

Nyoma airfield is not only a tactical advantage for India’s defense but also a significant uplift for the people in Ladakh. Once fully operational, it will facilitate rapid military deployment and stimulate regional development, affirming India’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure in high-altitude territories.