PM Modi Inaugurates Halwara Airport Terminal Amid Political Credit Claims and State Demands
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the civil terminal of Halwara airport in Punjab on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the state's aviation infrastructure. Located in Ludhiana district, Halwara is also home to a strategically important Indian Air Force station, adding to its regional significance.
AAP Government Claims Credit for Project Completion
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab claimed credit for bringing the long-delayed Halwara airport project to fruition. The government highlighted the efforts of Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, who, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, spearheaded the initiative. According to the statement, Arora pursued the matter relentlessly across successive years, reviving stalled progress in November 2022 and securing the release of Rs 50 crore in December that year.
The AAP government detailed a timeline of achievements, including coordinating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, and engaging Air India and Tata Sons' leadership. By early 2025, Air India had agreed to operate flights, the airport received its HWR code, and final security and operational clearances were obtained in January 2026. The statement also noted that Rajya Sabha MP Rajinder Gupta raised the issue in the Upper House in December last year, underscoring multi-level efforts.
PMO Highlights Green Features and Cultural Design
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) emphasized that the new terminal building at Halwara airport will establish a gateway for Ludhiana and its surrounding industrial and agricultural areas, advancing aviation infrastructure in Punjab. The terminal incorporates several green and energy-efficient features, aligned with Prime Minister Modi's vision of sustainable development. These include LED lighting, insulated roofing, rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and the use of recycled water for landscaping.
The architectural design of the terminal reflects Punjab's rich cultural heritage, offering passengers a distinctive and regionally inspired travel experience. The development at Halwara includes a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft, addressing the limitations of the previous Ludhiana airport, which had a smaller runway suitable only for small-size aircraft.
Speaker Sandhwan Seeks Bailout and Raises Key Issues
In a related development, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan wrote to Prime Minister Modi, seeking a bailout package for Punjab and raising several critical issues. Sandhwan highlighted the state's deep economic distress, attributing it to pending releases of central funds and reduced fiscal autonomy. He expressed that Punjab feels neglected in terms of central investment and policy support, with the non-release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) significantly affecting rural infrastructure and economic growth.
Sandhwan pointed out that Punjab, as a landlocked state, faces logistical disadvantages in attracting investment compared to states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana, which have benefited from special industrial packages. He urged the Central Government to announce a dedicated special package for Punjab to address infrastructure upgradation and broader economic needs.
Demands for Bandi Singhs Release and Chandigarh Transfer
On the issue of Bandi Singhs, Sikh prisoners who have served their sentences, Sandhwan stated that prolonged delays in release processes have kept them in custody, violating principles of natural justice. He requested the Prime Minister's personal intervention to ensure their immediate release.
Sandhwan also reiterated the long-standing demand for the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, emphasizing the emotional, historical, and legitimate claim of the state over the city, which was developed on land acquired from Punjab's farmers.
Call for Enhanced Air Connectivity and Trade Links
Additionally, Sandhwan called for an increase in flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh and Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar. He highlighted the need for Punjab's farmers and traders to have direct access to international markets to maximize income and reduce dependence on intermediaries. Sandhwan urged the Centre to explore and operationalize a road trade link to Middle East countries, enabling direct export of agricultural products and boosting economic prosperity for the farming community.
This inauguration comes amid ongoing political tensions and economic challenges in Punjab, setting the stage for further discussions between the state and central governments.
