Halwara airport: Uncertainty continues over operations

Before the Ludhiana byelection, Halwara airport was a hot political topic, with leaders competing with each other in claiming credit for fulfilling the long-pending demand of the business community. However, once the elections concluded, the project appears to have slipped into the background again, with no clarity on when the airport will finally become operational.

Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu in a tweet yesterday stated that he had reviewed the progress and operational status of Halwara international airport with officials of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He said the delay was at the local level as the Public Works Department (PWD) was yet to complete certain drainage works. The PWD has reportedly committed to finishing the task within a week.

Bittu added that once the airport was handed over, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security would issue the required security clearances. The Punjab Government had already shared a list of 58 security personnel, who would undergo five days of training. “The inauguration is expected soon once all clearances are in place,” Bittu maintained.

Meanwhile, reports in some sections of the media suggested that a high-level meeting of AAI officials, district administration authorities and state government representatives would be held in Delhi on September 26 to discuss the issue. However, local officials said they had not received any intimation regarding such a meeting.

When asked about the status, Punjab’s Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora said, “The operations are to be decided by the Airport Authority of India. The state government has already done its part, and whatever minor work is left will be expedited in the coming days.”

Industrialists, however, remain disappointed. “With much pomp and show, it was promised that the airport would be operational within a few days. It has now been over two months, and there is still no clarity about the exact cause of the delay or the date of its commencement,” said the president of a leading industry association.