Ambala: Banwari Lal Verma, the Union minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution and social justice and empowerment, announced on Tuesday that the newly developed domestic airport at Ambala Cantonment is ready for operations and is expected to become India's 165th operational airport.
After inspecting the facility alongside Haryana minister Anil Vij, Verma stated that the number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 under the Narendra Modi government, with Ambala set to join the network soon.
Praising Vij's efforts, Verma said the long-awaited project has been realized due to his persistent initiatives and will open a new chapter in Ambala's development. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Prime Minister, the chief minister, and the officials and engineers associated with the project.
During the inspection, Vij highlighted the strategic importance of Ambala's military airbase, one of the country's oldest air force stations. He noted that the modern runway is capable of supporting day-and-night operations in all weather conditions.
Spread across nearly 20 acres, the airport, known as the Civil Enclave, is expected to improve air connectivity for passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and adjoining regions. Vij remarked that Ambala Cantonment, already a major railway junction handling around 276 trains daily, will gain further connectivity benefits once flight services commence.
He added that several airlines have applied to operate from the airport and that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has reported no technical obstacles to starting services. Aircraft parking arrangements have also been completed, while remaining minor works are expected to be finished within a week, paving the way for the launch of commercial flights.
Senior administrative officials, municipal representatives, and BJP leaders were also present during the inspection.
