Finally, Takeoff Call For Halwara Airport: Terminal to be launched by PM on July 27
This comes as good news for residents of Ludhiana, who have been waiting anxiously for the airport to start operations.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at Bachat Bhawan on Friday, Arora confirmed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI), in collaboration with the district administration, was finalising preparations for the inauguration. He added that the terminal would be dedicated to the public on July 27, with Air India to announce flight commencement dates thereafter.
An officer of the PWD department, which is executing the project work, told TOI that the process of handing over infrastructure developed under the Halwara International Airport project to AAI has already started. He added that some minor work suggested by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, including construction of watch towers and raising the height of the boundary wall, would be completed days before the inauguration on July 27.
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An AAI official, asking not to be named, said that after the inauguration, it would take airlines at least a month to set up offices to start operations from Halwara Airport. He added that flight operations were expected to start by September.
Residents, who have been waiting a long time for inauguration of the Halwara International Airport, are happy about the latest development. Dr Ravinder Vatsayayan, who lives near Rose Garden, said that he would buy a ticket for the inaugural flight from Halwara Airport as he had been waiting for a long time for it to start operations.
The industry is also delighted by news of the scheduled inauguration of the Halwara Airport terminal building. Talking to TOI, Harsimerjit Singh, president, United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said that it came as great news not only for residents of Ludhiana but also for people living within a 100-kilometre radius of the district.
He expressed gratitude to the Centre and state governments as well as minister Sanjeev Arora, for their efforts to get the airport functional.
Students and professionals have also welcomed the announcement. Jaspreet Singh, a student, said that there should be flights to various major cities of the country instead of only Ludhiana and Delhi.
Boost to business, tourism
Architect Sanjay Goel, former director, Ludhiana Smart City Limited, welcomed the announcement. In a statement issued here on Friday, he said that the inauguration by the PM was a matter of pride for the state.
Highlighting the city's key role in Punjab's economy, he noted that Ludhiana is home to some of the state's largest industrialists and entrepreneurs. "Enhanced air connectivity will help boost exports, attract investors, and also promote tourism, which in turn will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region," he concluded.
How Halwara scores over Sahnewal
Halwara airport has a longer runway and facility of landing of flights at low visibility due to advanced landing facility with an Instrument Landing System (ILS)
Low visibility in the winter is a major cause of cancellation of flights at Sahnewal airport. Halwara airport will not face such issues
As compared to the capacity of a 72-seater ATR flight in Sahnewal, Halwara airport can cater to a 172-seater Boeing flight.
The airport building will have three terminals — international, domestic, and cargo
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