Punjab’s ₹54 Cr Runway to Nowhere? Halwara Terminal Inaugurates Without Flights

Waiting for years, Ludhiana's Halwara airport civil terminal is finally ready to witness its grand opening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the facility on July 27, a game-changer for Punjab's aviation infrastructure. But the skies remain quiet for now, with no confirmed flight operations.

 

Major Developments

 

- The terminal, situated close to the Indian Air Force base at Halwara, Raikot subdivision, has been constructed since 2018. It will receive one domestic flight at a time, having 150 arrival and departure passengers.

 

- Ludhiana district administration and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) are in final stages of preparations for the virtual launch.

 

- Air India will operate the inaugural flight, perhaps to Delhi, but no schedule has been released. Security clearances and the handing over of infrastructure have not yet occurred.

Project Background

 

- The airport is constructed over 162 acres of land donated by 272 Aitiana village farmers. The ₹54 crore project was financed by the Punjab government with AAI to be reimbursing expenses later.

 

- The single incident FlyBig Ludhiana–Delhi flight from Sahnewal airport can be moved to Halwara, resulting in the close-down and commercialization of Sahnewal.

 

Local Implications and Future Plans

 

- The airport is regarded as a boon to Ludhiana's industrial and business hub, which has long been calling for international connectivity.

 

- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has recommended that the airport be named after freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, but Centre's approval is pending.

 

Sources: Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Babushahi.com, True Scoop News