Haryana Minister Announces Inauguration of Ambala Cantonment Domestic Airport
Haryana Minister Anil Vij declared on Thursday that the domestic airport constructed at Ambala Cantonment will be inaugurated in the near future. During a crucial meeting with officers from the Haryana Civil Aviation Department, Vij issued explicit directives to expedite the completion of all remaining minor works at the airport facility.
Minister's Directives for Final Preparations
While chairing the high-level meeting, Minister Vij instructed officers to form a dedicated team of senior officials to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the airport. This initiative aims to ensure that all technically pending tasks are addressed and finalized promptly. He emphasized the urgent completion of several critical components on a priority basis.
- CCTV installation and control room setup
- Comprehensive security arrangements
- Implementation of online UPS systems
- Completion of minor civil works
- Fulfillment of all office-related requirements
Additional directions were issued concerning the availability of adequate staff and necessary vehicles to support airport operations. Furthermore, Vij mandated the establishment of an off-airport air terminal specifically designed to facilitate efficient cargo operations, enhancing the airport's commercial capabilities.
Strategic Location and Regional Benefits
The minister highlighted that Ambala Cantonment serves as a major transportation junction, and the commencement of air services from this location will provide substantial benefits to residents across surrounding areas while significantly boosting commercial activities. He detailed the extensive regional impact, noting that apart from multiple Haryana districts including Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Kaithal, Karnal, and Panipat, people from neighboring states such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh will also gain considerable advantages from this enhanced connectivity.
Vij emphasized the convenience factor, stating that since the airport is situated within the city limits, passengers will experience minimal commuting inconvenience, making air travel more accessible and efficient for the regional population.
Proposed Flight Routes and Economic Impact
The minister revealed significant public enthusiasm surrounding the proposed flight route from Ambala to Ayodhya, with residents eagerly anticipating its official launch. He provided updates on route developments, informing that a company is being assigned operations for the Ambala-Srinagar route, while various airlines have submitted applications for routes such as Ambala-Lucknow, which are currently under active consideration by authorities.
Vij underscored the economic benefits, projecting that the operationalization of the airport will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the region, contributing to local economic growth and development.
Infrastructure Investment and Development
Notably, for the construction of this domestic airport, approximately 20 acres of land near the Ambala Cantonment Air Force Station was acquired from the Ministry of Defence at a substantial cost of Rs 133 crore. The airport infrastructure itself has been developed with an investment of approximately Rs 18 crore, with all necessary equipment and systems already installed to support modern aviation operations.
The development of the Ambala Cantonment domestic airport represents a significant step forward in enhancing regional air connectivity and economic development across northern India, with Minister Vij's announcements signaling the final stages of preparation before official operations commence.
