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Finally, Takeoff Call For Halwara Airport: Terminal to be launched by PM on July 27

Finally, Takeoff Call For Halwara Airport: Terminal to be launched by PM on July 27

Time of India6 days ago
Ludhiana: The terminal building of Halwara Airport would be virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, industry and NRI affairs minister Sanjeev Arora announced on Friday.
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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India-UK FTA makes Scotch cheaper. India and its love affair with whisky
India-UK FTA makes Scotch cheaper. India and its love affair with whisky

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India-UK FTA makes Scotch cheaper. India and its love affair with whisky

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The ISWAI said that for the alcobev sector, this agreement paves the way for a more balanced and equitable trade environment, particularly given that Indian alcohol exports to the UK have zero import duties. 'The deal will significantly benefit Indian consumers, as premium international spirits will become more accessible, thereby accelerating the ongoing trend of premiumisation. It will also stimulate growth across ancillary sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, while potentially increasing revenue for Indian states,' said Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI. Other industry executives also welcomed the move. Diageo India MD and CEO Praveen Someshwar said, 'We laud the Indian and British governments for formalising this historic treaty, which will boost bilateral trade and positively impact the accessibility of premium Scotch whisky in India, reigniting growth and increased choice for Indian consumers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Jean-Etienne Gourgues also termed the India-UK FTA as 'a sign of hope in challenging times for the spirits industry'. Even Onkar Sharma, a partner at Khaitan & Co agreed with this, telling Moneycontrol, 'This tariff reduction is expected to make premium UK brands more affordable in India, boosting their market share and benefiting companies like Diageo and Chivas Brothers while enhancing consumer choice and potentially increasing state revenues through premiumisation.' Raising a toast to lowered prices As a result of the FTA and reduced tariffs, the price of Scotch whisky brands in India is expected to fall — depending on the Indian states' excise and pricing policies. Most news reports state that in the premium segment, the cost of brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal will fall by Rs 200-300 per bottle. 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Consumers should not expect many changes. FTA will neither dramatically change the Indian whisky market nor open new vistas for Indian producers.' India's Scotch whisky consumption India has long been a consumer of alcohol with whisky consumption exploding by more than 200 per cent in the past decade. Last year, India was ranked as the world's number one Scotch whisky market by volume, according to the Scotch Whisky Association data. It regained its position after replacing France, with 192 million bottles exported in 2024, the association said. Other experts also note that whisky is among India's favourite spirits — it accounted for over 60 per cent of India's alcohol consumption last year, according to a report by The Times of India and The Hindu Business Line. In fact, a Moneycontrol report stated that within the first six months of 2024, India's whisky exports had increased 26 per cent to $78.5 million. Out of this, blended whisky, which accounts for half of the total exports, jumped 37 per cent, and premium whisky exports almost doubled to $6.3 million. Scotch whisky is one of India's most preferred alcoholic drinks. It accounted for over 60 per cent of India's alcohol consumption last year. File image/Reuters Moreover, the whisky market in India that was estimated to be worth $21.13 billion in 2023 is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.61 per cent between 2024 and 2030, reaching a value of $28.97 billion by 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it's interesting to note that India's introduction to whisky wasn't all that smooth. As the British colonised India, it brought in its favourite, the whisky. But they came up against an obstacle in the form of Indians, who argued that they had their own local drinks. Owing to this, the British Raj established a commission to study scotch whisky in an attempt to prove to India that it was worth drinking. On completion of their studies, found out that scotch was harmless of outstanding quality, making it a perfect drink for social occasions. Scotch whisky entered India then, and has become a sign of taste and culture ever since. It became the drink that Indians brought in for social gatherings or used to toast during a particularly special celebration. At first, it was associated with the British and the Indian elite and the royalty. However, as time passed, whisky became more accessible to Indians, and as they say, the rest is history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies

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