The newly constructed Halwara civil terminal in Punjab's Ludhiana district is poised to commence its inaugural domestic flight service to Delhi in the first week of March. This development marks a significant step in enhancing air connectivity for the industrial hub of Ludhiana, which has long grappled with limited aviation infrastructure.
Initial Operations and Infrastructure Details
Initially, the airport will operate only one domestic flight, connecting Halwara to Delhi, with Air India as the designated carrier. The civil terminal, built at a cost of nearly Rs 54 crore in Aitiana village, expands the existing Indian Air Force base in Halwara. It boasts a capacity to handle 300 passengers simultaneously—150 for arrivals and 150 for departures.
Inauguration and Political Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the terminal virtually on Sunday evening during his visit to Jalandhar. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to attend the event in person. The terminal addresses a long-standing demand from Ludhiana's business and trading communities, especially after the closure of the old Sahnewal domestic airport due to infrastructural challenges.
The project has faced multiple delays since its approval in 2018 under the then Congress-led Punjab government, with funding issues stalling progress. Despite claims by successive governments, including the current AAP-led administration, that Halwara would become an "international" facility, officials acknowledge this reality is still years away.
Coordination and Operational Readiness
Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora confirmed that Air India has secured necessary permissions from the Indian Air Force to operate flights from Halwara. Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, emphasized that all preparations are complete for the flight operations, though coordination among various departments, including the Airport Authority of India (AAI), is crucial for a smooth launch.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the new terminal will serve as a gateway for Punjab, catering to Ludhiana and its surrounding industrial and agricultural regions. The facility features a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft, a significant upgrade from the previous airport's limited infrastructure.
Naming Controversy and Villagers' Demands
While the terminal is currently named "Halwara airport" due to its proximity to the IAF base, it is situated in Aitiana village, where 272 farmers contributed 162 acres of land for the project. Villagers have voiced strong objections to the name, advocating for it to be renamed Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport, Aitiana, in honor of the Ghadar revolutionary from Ludhiana who was executed by the British at age 19.
Chief Minister Mann has forwarded a proposal to the Central Government to rename the airport after Kartar Singh Sarabha, but this request remains pending, leaving the naming issue unresolved as the airport nears operational status.
