Minister Calls for Cargo Operations at Halwara Airport to Boost Ludhiana's Economy
During the virtual inauguration ceremony of the newly opened Halwara Airport, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu emphasized the urgent need to launch full-scale cargo operations alongside passenger services. He argued that this dual functionality is essential to unlock the economic potential of Ludhiana, often referred to as India's Manchester due to its massive industrial base.
Strategic Necessity for National Logistics
Bittu urged the civil aviation ministry to fast-track freight facilities at Halwara Airport, highlighting the current logistical challenges faced by the region's exporters. Presently, businesses in Ludhiana are forced to transport goods via road to distant airports in Amritsar or Chandigarh to access international air corridors. This not only increases costs but also delays shipments, affecting competitiveness in global markets.
The minister noted that Halwara is strategically positioned to become the primary hub for the central Punjab industrial belt. Industrialists from this region depend on distant airports for cargo movement, Bittu stated. Halwara will cater to the entire industrial belt and significantly reduce logistics costs, making our exports more competitive.
Proposal to Name Airport After Freedom Fighter
In addition to advocating for cargo operations, Bittu used the inauguration platform to propose a formal name for the facility. He urged the government to name the airport after Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, a legendary freedom fighter and revolutionary who hailed from the nearby village of Sarabha. This move aims to honor local heritage while establishing a symbolic connection to the region's history.
Economic 'Gift' to Punjab with Ripple Effects
Describing the Halwara Airport project as a historic gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bittu outlined the anticipated positive impacts on the local economy. These include:
- Enhanced trade growth through direct air access for international buyers visiting Ludhiana's textile and bicycle hubs.
- Creation of new employment opportunities in aviation, ground handling, and hospitality sectors.
- Improved connectivity for the non-resident Indian (NRI) community in Punjab, fostering stronger ties and investment.
- Boost to tourism as better air links attract visitors to the region's cultural and industrial sites.
Bittu predicted that the airport would handle far more passenger and cargo traffic than initially expected, citing the sheer volume of trade generated by Ludhiana's robust manufacturing sector. This infrastructure development is poised to transform the region into a logistics powerhouse, driving economic growth and positioning Punjab as a key player in India's export landscape.
