Bidding process for operating airlines from Halwara to begin soon: Bittu

The bidding process for operating passenger airlines from the Halwara international airport will commence soon, announced Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries.

During a high-level review meeting with stakeholders, he emphasised that commercial flights from Halwara were expected to commence within six months, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation set to initiate the process shortly.

He also assured to approach the Union Minister of Civil Aviation to expedite the matter. Following his inspection of the airport along with senior officials from the Indian Air Force, airport and the Punjab Government, Bittu confirmed that the terminal building construction would be completed by February 2025.

All stakeholders have committed to adhering to this timeline.

Key infrastructure works, including the boundary wall, taxiways and runway, are progressing well. Updates on construction include taxiway A overlaying 95 per cent completed, taxiway D overlaying 60 per cent completed, new link taxiway on the IAF premises 80 per cent completed, runway overlaying (handled by the IAF) nearing completion and security equipment installation and final security vetting are scheduled for January 2025.

Concurrently, the process to identify the airline operator will be initiated.

Once finalised, the construction of the main terminal building, with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore, will commence. Till then, the airport will operate from the interim terminal.

To ensure seamless connectivity, the minister announced plans to approach the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct a direct access road from the national highway to the airport. The existing road is inadequate for increased vehicular traffic once passenger operations begin. A wider and more efficient route will enhance traveller convenience, he said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Halwara airport, the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries noted its central location in the state.

The airport will serve not only Ludhiana but also the entire Malwa and Doaba regions, fostering business and passenger connectivity nationwide and, eventually, internationally. Additionally, a large cargo terminal will be developed, providing a significant boost to state businesses, traders and industries.

The minister was accompanied by Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Secretary of Civil Aviation, Punjab; SK Gupta, General Manager, AAI; Pankaj Kumar, CEO of LIAL; SK Sinha from the Indian Air Force, Halwara, and officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and other departments.