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Halwara Airport Operationalised: 30-Year Wait Ends for Ludhiana

Halwara Airport in Ludhiana has been operationalised, ending a 30-year demand for direct air connectivity. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP MPs Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Rajinder Gupta boarded the inaugural flight from Delhi. PM Modi inaugurated the terminal building in February, marking a new chapter for Punjab's connectivity. The new civil enclave features a longer runway capable of handling larger A320 aircraft.

Key Points: Halwara Airport Opens: Ludhiana's 30-Year Dream Realized

  • Halwara Airport operationalised after 30-year wait
  • Inaugural flight boarded by MoS Bittu, MPs Sahney and Gupta
  • PM Modi inaugurated terminal building in February
  • New civil enclave can handle A320-type aircraft
2 min read

"30-year wait finally ends": MoS Bittu, BJP MP Sahney board inaugural flight to Ludhiana as Halwara Airport operationalised

MoS Bittu, BJP MPs board inaugural flight to Ludhiana as Halwara Airport is operationalised, ending a 30-year wait for direct air connectivity.

"The operationalisation of Halwara Airport is a historic moment for Punjab and the fulfilment of Ludhiana's nearly 30-year-old demand for direct air connectivity. - Vikramjit Singh Sahney"

Ludhiana, May 15

Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Friday termed the operationalisation of Halwara Airport a "historic moment" for Punjab and said it fulfilled Ludhiana's nearly three-decade-old demand for direct air connectivity.

In a post on X, Vikramjit Singh said he boarded the inaugural flight to Ludhiana along with Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu and MP Rajinder Gupta.

"Boarded the inaugural flight to Ludhiana today with Union MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu and MP Rajinder Gupta," he posted on X.

Calling the development a major boost for the region, the BJP MP said the operationalisation of Halwara Airport would strengthen industry, trade and exports in Ludhiana.

"The operationalisation of Halwara Airport is a historic moment for Punjab and the fulfilment of Ludhiana's nearly 30-year-old demand for direct air connectivity. This major gift of the Central Government under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi will give a huge boost to Ludhiana's industry, trade, exports and economic growth," he said.

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, expressing his joy, also said this inaugural flight from Delhi to Ludhiana marks the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab.

"There is no feeling like landing in your own city on a historic flight. I am deeply touched by the overwhelming and warm welcome I received at Halwara Airport today. Seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of my brothers and sisters from Ludhiana made this journey even more special. This flight from Delhi marks the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab. The 30-year-long wait has finally ended with a grand touchdown. Thank you, Ludhiana, for this incredible love," he posted on X.

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana.

According to an official release, the terminal building inaugurated by the PM at Halwara Airport was developed to establish a new gateway for the state, catering to Ludhiana and its surrounding industrial and agricultural hinterland.

Located in the Ludhiana district, Halwara is also home to a strategically important Indian Air Force station.

The earlier airport at Ludhiana had a relatively small runway suitable only for small aircraft. A new civil enclave was developed at Halwara with a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft to enhance connectivity and accommodate larger planes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

K
Kavya N
As someone from Ludhiana, this is truly a historic moment. Our small airport was always a bottleneck for business trips. Now with A320-capable runway, we can directly fly to metro cities without going via Delhi or Chandigarh. Excellent move! 💪
M
Michael C
Happy to see infrastructure development in smaller cities. Ludhiana deserves this. Hope other tier-2 cities also get similar attention.
A
Arjun K
Great news for Punjab's industrial hub. But I hope the airport doesn't just become a political photo-op. Need regular flights at affordable prices for common people. Business class ke saath saath, we need budget options too. ✈️
R
Rohit P
Halwara was always an IAF base, so making it a civil enclave is smart use of existing infrastructure. This will help local exporters immensely. Ludhiana ke businesspeople ab direct Delhi, Mumbai and even international flights expect kar sakte hain.
S
Sarah B
Finally! As an exporter from Ludhiana, this will save hours of travel time. Earlier we had to go to Chandigarh or Delhi for flights. Hope the railway connectivity to Halwara is also improved for easier access.
P
Priya S
This is indeed a historic day for Punjab.

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