Geopolitical tensions, labour issues delay last-leg of Ludhiana's Halwara International Airport

Time of India

3 days ago

Ludhiana: The recent tensions between India and Pakistan disrupted work on the under-construction Halwara International Airport, delaying progress on the high-profile project for at least for 10 to 15 days, a PWD official revealed.
Although the airport is in its final stages, construction was halted for several days and later slowed due to labour-related issues, officials said.
However, the officer said only around 10% of the work related to the under-construction airport (involving the carpeting of the Link Taxiway) inside the Airforce station is pending, which is expected to be completed in 15 to 20 days.
A PWD official mentioned that the height of the boundary wall at the airport is being increased.
Of the total 600 metres, 400 metres have already been completed, and the remaining section is expected to be finished within two weeks. He added that once the height is raised, concertina wires will be installed on top for added security.
Meanwhile, PWD officials said the process of handing over the newly constructed terminal building and other infrastructure at the airport complex has already begun. Trial runs for systems, including water supply, electricity, fire safety, public health, and air conditioning, have been completed.
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According to AAI sources, the airport is expected to become operational soon, although local authorities have not yet received a specific date. The airport may be inaugurated as early as June. Unlike Sahnewal Airport, which has a shorter runway and lacks low-visibility landing capabilities, Halwara Airport will feature a longer runway and an Instrument Landing System (ILS). They anticipate a strong response to flights from Halwara due to its advanced infrastructure and improved air operation facilities.
Meanwhile, residents, especially those in the industry, are anxiously waiting for the airport to become operational. Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum and a local resident, said the industry is waiting for the start of operations, but they want PAN India flights and international flights to run from the airport. He added that currently, they have to go to Chandigarh or Amritsar to take flights to various cities in India and abroad, but there are limited options, and prices are higher, especially from Chandigarh.
"If Ludhiana is connected to major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai through direct flights, it will not only ease travel for local entrepreneurs but also open market access for traders from other states," said industrialist Badish Jindal. Ludhiana exports garments, machine tools, agricultural implements, auto parts, and scaffolding to multiple countries. International flight connectivity will significantly boost our export capabilities, he added.
Box 1: Halwara Airport Inauguration Expected Soon
On May 16, Rajya Sabha MP and AAP Ludhiana West candidate Sanjeev Arora stated that the inauguration of the under-construction Halwara Airport is likely to happen soon. Arora cited an official email sent on May 15 from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) headquarters to its local office, asking them to initiate preparations for the event. He said the inauguration is expected to be presided over by a VIP or VVIP and that the AAI is set to take over the project from the Public Works Department (PWD) shortly, signaling the airport's near completion.
Box 2: Halwara to Handle Large Boeing Flights
AAI officials revealed that unlike Sahnewal Airport, which accommodates smaller aircraft, Halwara Airport will handle 172-seater Boeing flights. The airport will have three dedicated terminals—international, domestic, and cargo. The current temporary terminal under construction will be repurposed as a cargo terminal once the permanent structures are completed.