Domestic airport project in Ambala Cantt likely to be complete by February end

A deadline of February 28 has been fixed to complete all formalities and pending works at the under-construction civil enclave (domestic airport) in Ambala Cantonment.

The Ambala’s airport is expected to have flights for Ayodhya, Jammu and Lucknow, before adding more cities for air connectivity.

Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, who has been taking a keen interest in this project, presided over a joint meeting Sunday evening with officers from Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, Police, PWD (B&R), and other departments regarding starting of flight services from the domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment. Haryana's Civil Aviation Minister Vipul Goel also joined the meeting via videoconferencing.

Anil Vij said, “Constructing a domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment, which once seemed impossible, was achieved through sincere efforts. As a major and important junction, Ambala Cantonment will gain considerable advantages from the establishment of a domestic airport, and regional development and employment opportunities will also see a boost. Everything is in place, the machines are being installed and the work will be completed in a month.”

Before the meeting, the minister inspected the airport and enquired about the machines installed for the security checks. He directed the officials to expedite the work so that the operations could begin soon. Vij also directed the police officials to take the charge of the airport and ensure strict monitoring due to sensitivity, since the airport was next to the air force station.

Another meeting will be held soon in Chandigarh to finalise preparations for the commencement of flight services.

Civil Aviation Minister Vipul Goel instructed officials to ensure the completion of all pending works and formalities related to the domestic airport by February 28. He also directed officials to provide security training and complete the work discussed during the meeting on priority.

Civil Aviation Adviserr Dr Narhari Singh Bangar said, “The airport was inspected and the all issues were discussed in detail. The basic infrastructure and the things required to make the airport operational are complete by almost 90 per cent. Some machines are to be sent by the Airports Authority of India and soon the machines will be delivered here. Every effort is being made to commence flight services soon. A meeting chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Vipul Goel is scheduled for Tuesday to address the remaining issues.”

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Project approved under Udan 3.0 scheme

In December 2018, the civil airport project was approved, under the Udan 3.0 scheme by the Centre. The project got stuck due to land-related issues. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October 2023. While the civil work is completed, due to the delay in installation of security equipment and baggage scanners, the project got delayed.