(MOREPIC1)Face2News/Ludhiana
Flights from Halwara Airport connecting Ludhiana to domestic and international destinations may soon become a reality. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora announced on Monday that civic works at the airport are nearly complete, with only a few remaining formalities to be addressed.
Responding to a question at a press conference related to the extension of operating hours for eateries by the Commissionerate Police, Arora provided updates on the airport project. He shared that an Airports Authority of India (AAI) inspection team visited the airport on March 27 for the first time and made several observations.
“One of the main issues raised by the AAI team was the replacement of the existing barbed wire fencing with a boundary wall, despite the former being built as per approved designs,” Arora said, adding, “Work is now in full swing to comply with all the AAI's observations.”
(SUBHEAD)Arora emphasised that he is personally monitoring the progress on a daily basis and expressed confidence that the pending work will be completed soon. AAI is expected to conduct a follow-up inspection once all recommended changes are implemented. The airport will then be officially handed over from the Public Works Department (PWD) to the AAI.
Initially, two daily flights are expected to operate from Halwara Airport. “One flight in the morning will connect Ludhiana to Europe, while an afternoon flight will provide connectivity to the US and Australia,” Arora said.
At the outset, check-in will take place at Halwara, while immigration and customs services will be handled in Delhi. These services will be introduced at Halwara as passenger traffic increases over time.
Arora highlighted the significance of the project, calling it a major economic catalyst for Ludhiana and Punjab. “This is a dream project of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and will greatly benefit the region,” he said.
The Halwara Airport is being developed over 161.28 acres, with a terminal building covering 2,000 square metres. The estimated project cost, excluding the cost of land, stands at Rs.70 crore.
