Halwara Airport Terminal Finally Set for Inauguration After Years of Delays
After missing more than a dozen deadlines spanning five years, the Halwara Airport terminal in Ludhiana is finally poised for its official debut. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the new terminal building on February 1, marking a significant milestone for Punjab's aviation infrastructure.
Official Preparations and Security Review
The announcement has generated substantial optimism among Ludhiana's industrial and business communities, who have been advocating for this facility since the project received initial approval back in 2018. Deputy Commissioner Jain and Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural) Ankur Gupta conducted a thorough site visit on Wednesday to review security protocols and logistical arrangements for this high-profile virtual event.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to hold a final review meeting with state officials on Thursday to ensure the ceremony proceeds without any operational hitches. "We have received the formal program from the Prime Minister's Office," DC Jain stated. "The terminal building is completely prepared for its virtual dedication to the public."
Technical Advantages Over Existing Airport
Officials from the Airports Authority of India have highlighted that Halwara Airport offers significant technical advantages compared to the existing Sahnewal Airport. Unlike Sahnewal, which frequently shuts down during winter months due to poor visibility conditions, Halwara features:
- A substantially longer runway
- An advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Enhanced capability for safe landings during dense fog conditions
"We intend to shift operations to Halwara as it ensures year-round reliability," revealed an AAI source. "Air India has already submitted a request for a seven-day flight slot, which is currently under active review by authorities."
Turbulent Development Timeline
The project has experienced a particularly turbulent development cycle since its inception in December 2020, when the foundation stone was laid for the boundary wall. Construction work stalled for extended periods due to funding disputes with the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority, requiring Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's personal intervention on one occasion to resume progress.
In 2025, a previously scheduled inauguration ceremony featuring the Prime Minister was deferred at the last minute, adding to the project's history of delays and setbacks.
Expected Economic Impact
Local industry leaders, including Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings President Upkar Singh Ahuja, believe the airport will serve as a "game-changer" for Punjab's economic landscape. The CICU has proposed an innovative support model where members would pre-purchase fifty percent of flight tickets during the first three months of operation to ensure the route's commercial viability.
"Ludhiana represents a global industrial hub," Ahuja emphasized. "Connecting us directly to major metropolitan centers like Delhi and Mumbai effectively connects our manufacturers to international markets worldwide."
