Ashhar Alam

For nearly half the year, when snow seals roads and temperatures plunge well below freezing, life in Ladakh’s Nubra valley slips into near isolation.

Cut off from the rest of the country, thousands of civilians face not just the hardship of winter, but the challenge of mobility itself. It is during these months that an extraordinary yet little-known support system steps in, run by the Indian Army.

Through a dedicated airlift facility, residents of Nubra Valley can travel from Ladakh to Chandigarh for just Rs 1,100, a fare that would be unthinkable anywhere else in the country.

The process is simple and civilian-friendly: tickets are issued via the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office, ensuring access even for those without digital connectivity or resources.

What makes this facility truly unique is its flexibility. Once issued, the ticket remains valid for up to six months, allowing passengers to choose their travel date based on weather, health, or family needs.

Even round-trip tickets, covering both onward and return journeys can be booked together, offering rare certainty in an otherwise unpredictable region.

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For families needing medical treatment, students pursuing education, or residents attending urgent personal matters, this airlift is more than just transport, it is a lifeline. Importantly, such a facility for local civilians is virtually unmatched in any other Indian state.

Beyond guarding borders, the Indian Army here quietly shoulders a humanitarian role, ensuring that geography does not dictate dignity or opportunity. In the frozen silence of Nubra’s winters, these aircraft carry more than passengers, they carry reassurance.