With the fresh deadline of March rapidly approaching, the much-anticipated international airport at Halwara in Ludhiana is edging closer to becoming operational, according to the latest update from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
After a series of hurdles and missed deadlines, significant progress has been made on various fronts, bringing the project closer to fruition. The AAI has confirmed that crucial tasks have been cleared, paving the way for the airport's imminent launch.
Among the milestones achieved include the finalization of the airport's peripheral road layout, approval of apron and taxiway designs, submission of specified designs for areas governed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the IAF's authorization to widen internal taxiways. These developments mark significant strides toward the completion of the project, which has faced multiple delays in the past.
The ambitious venture, with a total area spanning 161.28 acres and a terminal area of 2,000 square meters, comes with a substantial investment of Rs 3,876.65 lakh. Additional costs for infrastructure such as boundary walls and approach roads amount to Rs 309.33 crore. Despite facing missed deadlines in the past, the project is now under heightened scrutiny as the latest deadline of March 31 approaches.
The recent acceleration in construction activities follows directives from the Union Government, prompted by a plea from Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, representing Ludhiana. Union Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam's directive emphasized the need for expedited completion of the joint venture between the Centre and the state government.
Notably, the construction of the integrated civil enclave, cargo terminal building, sub-station, and toilet block at the Air Force Station in Halwara has already been accomplished. The remaining allied works of the civil aviation project have progressed significantly, with overall progress exceeding 98%.
Sanjeev Arora, providing insights into the project's status, disclosed that the ongoing construction has reached an advanced stage, with completion expected by March. He revealed that the state government has released Rs 30 crore thus far, with the remaining funds sought from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) and the Civil Aviation Department.
Highlighting component-wise progress, Arora noted that while certain aspects such as apron and taxiway construction have reached 40% completion, others like internal roads, lighting, and public health services have achieved 75% progress. Additionally, 55% of the approach road to the airport campus has been completed, with works on the bridge at the entry and allied works within the IAF base premises underway.
Approval from the AAI and the IAF has been secured for undertaking balance works at the international airport, clearing the path for pending tasks to commence. Arora's advocacy efforts, including discussions with Civil Aviation Ministry officials, have yielded prompt responses, expediting necessary approvals for the project's advancement.
The project, segmented into two verticals, encountered delays due to funding issues, but resumed following the allocation of Rs 50 crore by the state government. The impending operationalization of the airport has garnered support, with the Punjab Vidhan Sabha recently adopting a resolution to name the airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, a revered martyr.
With the airport poised for launch, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann affirmed the government's commitment to facilitating operations and launching flights shortly after completion.
In conclusion, Ludhiana's Halwara International Airport stands on the brink of realization, representing a significant milestone in the region's aviation infrastructure development.
