SPECIAL STORY: Union Minister Bittu’s Follow-Ups Bear Fruit as Halwara Airport Nears Operational Stage

Ludhiana, October 7, 2025: After years of anticipation and repeated assurances, Ludhiana’s long-pending dream of air connectivity appears finally set to take off. A wave of optimism has swept through the city as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is scheduled to visit Halwara Airport to conduct the crucial building clearance inspection — a decisive step toward the airport’s operational readiness.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu has emerged as a driving force behind the renewed momentum. His consistent follow-ups and coordination with central agencies are being widely acknowledged as the turning point for the project.

On October 6, Bittu took to social media to announce the long-awaited development, writing: “The long wait is over! Ludhiana’s dream takes flight! The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security team will inspect Halwara Airport for building clearance — a massive milestone toward making air connectivity a reality. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, this project is set to propel Punjab’s development to new heights. My long-cherished wish is finally coming true!”

This announcement rekindled public enthusiasm, giving fresh hope to Ludhiana residents who had begun to lose faith after years of delays and shifting timelines.

Just two weeks earlier, on September 22, Bittu had chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to assess progress at Halwara International Airport. He urged officials to accelerate pending works and adhere strictly to deadlines.

Those present at the meeting included J.T. Radhakrishna, Chairman, Ludhiana International Airport Ltd. (LIAL); S.S. Raju, Executive Director (Operations); D.K. Gautam, Regional Executive Director (North); Amit Kumar, General Manager (Architecture); and Amarjeet Singh, Officiating Airport Director, Ludhiana.

Bittu on social media had emphasized that the project, once complete, would be a “jewel in Punjab’s crown,” given Ludhiana’s strategic central location. The airport, he said, would serve as a key gateway to Punjab, significantly boosting trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

His recent field visits further strengthened public confidence. On October 4, Bittu inspected the under-construction Steel Truss Bridges on the four-lane Laddowal Bypass along the Sidhwan Canal road. Notably, one of the four bridges is now operational, marking another milestone in improving Ludhiana’s infrastructure.

With these successive developments, residents believe that the long-awaited Halwara International Airport — once seen as a distant promise — may finally be on the verge of takeoff.

The upcoming Halwara International Airport has been designed with both present needs and future growth in mind. The facility will have the capacity to handle 300 passengers at a time, ensuring smooth movement and comfort during peak travel hours. Importantly, the airport layout includes provisions for future expansion, allowing it to scale up operations as passenger traffic and airline services increase over the years.

Spread across 161.28 acres, the airport complex represents a blend of modern infrastructure and thoughtful planning. The terminal building, with a built-up area of approximately 2,000 square metres, will house passenger amenities such as check-in counters, waiting lounges, security areas, and essential commercial spaces.

On the airside, the facility has been designed to accommodate two wide-bodied aircraft simultaneously, enabling efficient handling of both domestic and potential international flights in the future. This feature positions Halwara among the region’s strategically capable aviation hubs.

The total project cost, excluding the cost of land, is estimated at around ₹70 crore. The investment covers terminal construction, apron and taxiway development, navigational aids, and passenger facilities. Authorities have also ensured that the design adheres to the latest standards of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with an emphasis on safety, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort.

Once operational, the Halwara Airport is expected not only to connect Ludhiana directly with key cities across India but also to stimulate trade, tourism, and industrial development in the heart of Punjab.