Ambala airport set to become operational: Union Minister
Chandigarh, June 9
Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs B.L. Verma on Tuesday said that before the formation of the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, only 74 airports were operational in the country. Today, that number has increased to 164.
He expressed confidence that the newly constructed Domestic Airport (Civil Enclave) in Ambala Cantonment would become the country's 165th operational airport and that flight services would commence from the facility very soon.
Talking to the media after inspecting the newly built Domestic Airport along with state Energy Minister Anil Vij, Verma said that under Vij's leadership, a new chapter of development is being written in Ambala Cantonment.
He congratulated Vij, the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister and all departments, officers, and engineers for their contributions to this significant project.
During the inspection, Vij informed the Union Minister that the Ambala Cantonment airbase is among the oldest and most strategically important in the country.
"Owing to its strategic significance, even the British had chosen Ambala as an airbase during their rule," he was quoted as saying.
He said the runway is equipped with modern facilities, enabling safe aircraft operations round the clock and in all weather conditions. The domestic airport spans approximately 20 acres and is expected to serve as an important aviation hub for passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and surrounding regions.
Vij also informed the Union Minister that Ambala Cantonment is one of North India's major railway junctions, with around 276 trains arriving and departing daily. Millions of passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and other states travel through the junction.
The commencement of airport operations will significantly strengthen regional connectivity, Vij said, adding that several airline companies have already applied to operate flights. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, there are no technical obstacles to the launch of flight services from the airport.
He added that arrangements for domestic flight parking bays have also been finalised. Only a few minor works remain, which are expected to be completed within the next week. Thereafter, the airport will be fully operational, he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great news for North India! As someone who travels from Ambala to Delhi often, the road traffic is a nightmare. But I hope the airport's capacity is planned for future growth—20 acres seems small for a "hub" serving multiple states. Also, why is it always BJP ministers taking credit? Development should be non-political. Still, happy to see progress. 🛫
As a history buff, I love that Ambala's airbase dates back to British times. But let's not forget—the British used it for military control, not for people's benefit. Now we're turning it into a civilian airport for real development. 276 trains daily at Ambala Cantt? That's serious connectivity potential. If they integrate rail and air travel smoothly, this could be a model for other tier-2 cities. Well done, team! 👏
I've been to Ambala for work—it's a strategic spot between Chandigarh and Delhi. But honestly, the infrastructure still lags behind. Building an airport is one thing; ensuring regular flights, reliable schedules, and good road connectivity to the terminal is another. Hope it doesn't become another mothballed project like some regional airports. Praying for consistent operations! 🤞
Impressive numbers—from 74 to 164 airports in a decade. But let's be honest: many of these are just small airstrips with minimal traffic. Ambala has real potential given its railway junction status and proximity to multiple state borders. If airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet actually start operations here, it could ease pressure on Chandigarh airport. Let's see if the "minor works" get done in a week as claimed. Actions speak louder than press releases.
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