Halwara Airport 100% complete on Civil Side, 20 days to go on IAF side: MP Arora visits Airport

Ludhiana, July 19, 2024:  MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora along with all officials of the concerned departments including Airports Authority of India (AAI), Public Works Department (PWD), contractors of PWD & IAF, local administration visited the upcoming International Airport at Halwara, on Friday, to review the progress of ongoing work of construction there. 

He took stock of every work including terminals, lighting, toilets, sewerage treatment plant (STP) horticulture, runway, taxiway, security system and announcements system. He expressed his satisfaction over the work completed. He directed all the officials to complete the remaining finishing work simultaneously. He was apprised that air-conditioning system installed at terminals has already been tested. 

Later, addressing the media persons there, Arora said he is fully satisfied that now almost 100 percent work has been completed at civil side of the airport. He added some work is pending towards IAF side, which is likely to be completed within a month or so. “Now, I shall meet CEOs of all the airlines in Delhi to plan for starting flights from this airport,” he said, adding that he had already written letters twice to CEOs of all the airlines. The CEOs of all the airlines had asked him to approach after construction work is completed fully at the airport, he added. Now is the right time to get all tied up.

Adding, Arora said that the airport is likely to start its functioning before the Diwali festival. Thus, the opening of the airport will be not less than a “Diwali gift” for people of Ludhiana & whole of Malwa region. He said the airport has the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers in one go. He added the airport has the provision for expansion in the future. He said two wide bodied aircrafts can be parked at one time. 
Arora gave credit to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for sanctioning funds for the airport. He said this is the “dream project” of Punjab CM. 
Replying to a question, he categorically stated that all the permissions were there to operate the airport soon. He admitted that there has occurred some delay in completing the project and this happened due to delay in getting some approvals from AAI & IAF. He appreciated the officials of all the departments for fully coordinating in completing the project. 

Arora said the airport is being set up in an area measuring 161.28 acres. Of this area, the built-up Terminal area is 2,000 square metres. The total project cost excluding land is around 70 Crores.

He reiterated that the project after its completion will prove beneficial not for Ludhiana only but for whole of state as it will give a boost to economy of the state. He said air connectivity plays a significant role in giving a push to economy of a state. He hoped that airport will be a big asset not only for Ludhiana but whole of the state.

On the occasion, Arora planted a sapling in premises of the airport as a beginning of Horticulture work which will beautify the airport.