Amritsar airport gets makeover on outer walls

Aesthetics appear to be outshining amenities at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport as authorities have undertaken an extensive beautification campaign along the airport’s outer periphery. Launching the campaign, Airport Director Bhupendra Singh said the outer compound walls and parks around the parking area and boundary would receive an aesthetic makeover.

The previously plain outer walls have been transformed into a vibrant canvas, with a 475-ft stretch now displaying Punjabi folk motifs, visuals of bhangra and giddha, and symbols representing Punjab’s rich traditions. Another section of the wall will feature artwork inspired by Punjabi heritage. The creative design has been executed by Amritsar-based artist Sumeet Dua.

“The artwork will offer arriving passengers their first glimpse of Punjabi culture. It has been created keeping in mind the spirit, heritage and vibrancy of Punjab,” said Bhupendra Singh.

The airport authorities have also tied up with volunteers of Sant Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale to maintain and upkeep the outer park area near the parking zone. The authorities had installed a Khanda Sahib installation inside the park a few years ago, and the volunteers will now take over its maintenance.

According to the Airport Director, the facility handles an average of 10,000 passengers daily, both domestic and international. While the beautification project appears well-intentioned and in the right spirit, concerns recently raised by passengers about the lack of washrooms and toilets in the parking area highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges.

In terms of basic amenities, the facility currently offers no functional public urinals. Even those constructed reportedly remain locked most of the time. Passengers have also pointed out a lack of cleanliness inside the airport, particularly in washroom facilities.

Another long-pending issue is the expansion of cargo facilities and airport services. A few days ago, Harbhajan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP and former international cricketer, met Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to raise key concerns related to airport development in Punjab, with a strong push for expanding the Amritsar airport.

Citing a steady rise in passenger traffic, the AAP Rajya Sabha MP also called for the construction of a new, modern terminal building equipped with world-class facilities to meet international standards and enhance passenger experience.