
Finally, Takeoff Call For Halwara Airport: Terminal to be launched by PM on July 27
This comes as good news for residents of Ludhiana, who have been waiting anxiously for the airport to start operations.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at Bachat Bhawan on Friday, Arora confirmed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI), in collaboration with the district administration, was finalising preparations for the inauguration. He added that the terminal would be dedicated to the public on July 27, with Air India to announce flight commencement dates thereafter.
An officer of the PWD department, which is executing the project work, told TOI that the process of handing over infrastructure developed under the Halwara International Airport project to AAI has already started. He added that some minor work suggested by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, including construction of watch towers and raising the height of the boundary wall, would be completed days before the inauguration on July 27.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute
Navy Quest
Undo
An AAI official, asking not to be named, said that after the inauguration, it would take airlines at least a month to set up offices to start operations from Halwara Airport. He added that flight operations were expected to start by September.
Residents, who have been waiting a long time for inauguration of the Halwara International Airport, are happy about the latest development. Dr Ravinder Vatsayayan, who lives near Rose Garden, said that he would buy a ticket for the inaugural flight from Halwara Airport as he had been waiting for a long time for it to start operations.
The industry is also delighted by news of the scheduled inauguration of the Halwara Airport terminal building. Talking to TOI, Harsimerjit Singh, president, United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said that it came as great news not only for residents of Ludhiana but also for people living within a 100-kilometre radius of the district.
He expressed gratitude to the Centre and state governments as well as minister Sanjeev Arora, for their efforts to get the airport functional.
Students and professionals have also welcomed the announcement. Jaspreet Singh, a student, said that there should be flights to various major cities of the country instead of only Ludhiana and Delhi.
Boost to business, tourism
Architect Sanjay Goel, former director, Ludhiana Smart City Limited, welcomed the announcement. In a statement issued here on Friday, he said that the inauguration by the PM was a matter of pride for the state.
Highlighting the city's key role in Punjab's economy, he noted that Ludhiana is home to some of the state's largest industrialists and entrepreneurs. "Enhanced air connectivity will help boost exports, attract investors, and also promote tourism, which in turn will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region," he concluded.
How Halwara scores over Sahnewal
Halwara airport has a longer runway and facility of landing of flights at low visibility due to advanced landing facility with an Instrument Landing System (ILS)
Low visibility in the winter is a major cause of cancellation of flights at Sahnewal airport. Halwara airport will not face such issues
As compared to the capacity of a 72-seater ATR flight in Sahnewal, Halwara airport can cater to a 172-seater Boeing flight.
The airport building will have three terminals — international, domestic, and cargo
MSID:: 122768054 413 |

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Hearts Race, Flags Fly: London Welcomes Modi Like A Rock Star
Luton (United Kingdom): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London early Wednesday morning for a packed two-day diplomatic visit. Lasting from July 23 to July 24, the trip marks the first leg of his two-nation journey. He touched down ahead of major meetings centered on strengthening ties between India and the United Kingdom, including finalising a Free Trade Agreement. Modi described the India-UK bond as a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. He highlighted close cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people connections. A key highlight of the visit involves discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The talks aim to expand economic ties, boost job creation and deepen mutual prosperity. A formal call with King Charles III also features on the itinerary. Landed in London. This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 This marks Modi's fourth official visit to the United Kingdom. He visited previously in 2015 and 2018, and returned in 2021 for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. In less than a year, the two leaders met twice at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro last year and again in June at the G7 in Kananaskis, Canada. Since 2021, they have elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their shared agenda includes regular high-level exchanges and a mutual commitment to raise bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030 through tariff cuts. Modi's journey continues with a second stop in the Maldives. British-Indian Community Lights Up London with Enthusiasm London's Indian diaspora welcomed Modi with energy and anticipation. Born and raised in the United Kingdom to Maharashtrian parents, Anagha shared her joy, 'I have been hearing all the positive words about PM Modi from my grandparents and my extended family… I am very excited to see him… India is at the forefront globally.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Gehna Gautam, says, "... I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake my hand. He is so dynamic... It was an amazing experience. The enthusiasm and energy of the people… — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Expressing her excitement, Bharat quiz champion Gayatri Lokhande said, 'This would be my second time. I have come here as the winner of the 'Bharat ko Janiye' quiz… We are looking forward to the trade agreement to be signed with PM Keir Starmer.' #WATCH | UK | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the members of the Indian Diaspora in Luton (Source: ANI/DD) — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Ramchandra Shastri attended the gathering of Indian diaspora that welcome PM Modi with his whole family. 'He is a revolutionary person… He understands all the scriptures like Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and talks about the welfare of all people,' he said. A member of the Dawoodi Bohra community added, 'As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the prime minister has with our community… we welcome him to the UK.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Shreya Pareek, says, "...I came here to meet PM Modi. I am glad that I got that opportunity... I want to congratulate him for Operation Sindoor and all the other things he is doing for India..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Another Bohra community member said, 'This is my first time personally meeting PM Modi. He is a great friend to the Dawoodi Bohra community… we hope that one day he will visit us at our mosque in the UK as well.' Preena, speaking on behalf of her family, described her excitement, 'He has done so much for India's progress… He made India a Vishwaguru. He made India very powerful on the world stage.' Assam's Bihu Dance to Grace Arrival A group of Assamese performers added festive colour to the scene. Lead dancer Madhusmita Borgohain, living in the United Kingdom for 12 years, said, 'I cannot express how happy I am to see PM Modi today. Today, we will perform Bihu dance.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Shivani, says, "...We shook hands twice and he also blessed me on my head... It is my pleasure to meet him. We are very blessed to have him over here. We are really very happy today..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Chinu Kishore, another member and UK resident for 22 years, echoed her feelings, 'I am very excited to see PM Modi in person today and perform Assam's Bihu dance form.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Bhavya, says, "...The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad'. It was the best feeling ever..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 This visit blends diplomatic purpose with cultural sparkle, personal connections and a clear economic agenda. Modest beginnings. Ambitious goals. The spotlight now shifts to the moment Modi and Starmer meet and to the upcoming trade agreement signing that could define a new chapter in India-UK relations.


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
As PM begins two-day UK visit today, sealing trade deal on agenda
Bolstering economic and security cooperation will be a common thread linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to Britain and the Maldives beginning on Wednesday, with the formal signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) set to be the highlight of the trip to the UK. PM Narendra Modi meets his British counterpart Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada last month. (PTI) Modi will first travel to the UK during July 23-24 for meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, and then to the Maldives during July 25-26 to be the guest of honour at the Indian Ocean archipelago's Independence Day celebrations. Both visits are opportunities to strengthen ties in a wide range of areas, especially trade, investment, defence and security, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing on Tuesday. Starmer is expected to host Modi at Chequers, the country residence of the British prime minister located 50 km northwest of London, people familiar with the matter said. The commerce ministers of the two sides – Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds – are expected to sign the FTA that was finalised on May 6, the people said on condition of anonymity. The FTA is expected to increase two-way trade from the current level of almost $58 billion by $34 billion in the long run, according to a fact sheet from the UK. India will get tariff elimination on 99% of its tariff lines under the deal, covering nearly 100% of trade value. The UK will get reduced tariffs on 90% of British tariff lines, including the cutting of levies on whisky, automobiles, lamb and medical devices. Labour-intensive sectors such as Indian textiles and apparel will get a competitive advantage against countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Under the Double Contribution Convention, there will be an exemption for employers of Indian workers from paying social security contributions in the UK for three years, making it significantly easier to send workers on posting to Britain. Misri said that since the FTA was announced by Modi and Starmer on May 6, the two sides have engaged in the legal scrubbing of the deal. 'Last-minute work on that is continuing,' he said. The UK is the sixth largest investor in India, with cumulative investments of $36 billion. India's investments in the UK are close to $20 billion, and some 1,000 Indian companies operating in Britain provide employment to almost 100,000 people and have cumulative revenues of $91 billion. Technology, research, innovation and education have emerged as other key pillars of India-UK cooperation and the prime ministers will review cooperation in these fields, Misri said. The India-UK Technology Security Initiative, finalised last year, has driven collaboration in telecom, critical minerals, AI, biotechnology, semiconductors and quantum computing. Following the University of Southampton opening a campus in Gurugram last week, thus becoming the first foreign varsity to set up a campus under India's new education policy, several other British institutions are considering establishing campuses in the country. The British side perceives the FTA, finalised three years after negotiations began in January 2022, as part of a wider political reset and building on the bilateral road map 2030. The British side also expects the trade deal to lead to a wider relationship of trust between the two sides and to drive collaboration in key areas such as defence, especially with India set to spend a significant amount on its armed forces in the coming years. The British side is understood to have put in place extensive security arrangements to avert any attempt by pro-Khalistan elements to disrupt the visit or organise protests, including the sensitisation of security agencies to Indian concerns. Both sides are keen to avoid a repeat of an incident in March, when a pro-Khalistan protester breached the security of external affairs minister S Jaishankar in London and got close to his vehicle. Misri told the briefing that the presence of Khalistani extremists in the UK should be a matter of concern to the British side as such elements impact 'social cohesion and social order' in that country. Modi will travel from the UK to the Maldives, where he will be the first foreign head of government to be hosted by President Mohamed Muizzu. Modi's presence as guest of honour at the Maldivian Independence Day celebrations will mark a significant turnaround in bilateral ties that turned frosty because of the policies of Muizzu, who came to power on the back of an 'India Out' campaign in late 2023. Misri attributed the turnaround in ties to India's working hard on the relationship. 'There will always be events that will impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But I think this is testimony to the kind of attention that has been paid to the relationship, including attention at the highest levels…We've continued to work at it, and I think the result is there for you to see,' he said. The Maldives is a 'very important partner' in India's Neighborhood First policy MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, Misri said. 'We have always been the first on hand to respond to the needs of Maldives in times whenever it has faced has been a robust political relationship…bolstered by regular visits at high levels,' he said. The joint vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership adopted during Muizzu's visit to India last October 2024 has become the 'guiding framework' for ties, and India is one of the largest trade partners of the Maldives, with two-way trade worth almost $500 million. Both sides are engaged in discussions for an FTA and an investment treaty and new areas of cooperation include renewable energy and fisheries. India is executing several development projects in the Maldives through a mix of concessional lines of credit and buyer's credit facilities, with the flagship project being the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which will connect four islands. Misri said the Maldives has almost completely drawn a currency swap arrangement for $400 million provided as emergency financial assistance and is set to draw upon another currency swap arrangement of ₹30 billion. The State Bank of India has also continued to re-subscribe to Maldives treasury bills. The two sides also have robust defence and security cooperation, including naval exercises, and India continues to assist the Maldives by training its defence personnel. 'We've been helping the Maldives enhance its capacity for EEZ surveillance and maritime domain awareness through the provision of ships and assets,' he said.


NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
PM Modi Lands In UK, Long-Awaited Free Trade Deal Expected Today: 10 Points
The free trade agreement is India's first major bilateral trade agreement with a developed economy in over a decade. A 10-point cheat sheet on the free trade agreement to be signed by India and the UK The free trade agreement between India and the UK will be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London on July 24. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany the prime minister. The two countries announced the conclusion of the negotiations for the trade agreement on May 6, after three years of negotiations. The trade agreement proposes to remove taxes on the export of labour-intensive products such as leather, footwear and clothing, while making imports of whisky and cars from Britain cheaper, in an effort to double trade between the two economies to USD 120 billion by 2030. After the free trade agreement is signed by the commerce ministers from both countries, it will require approval from the British Parliament before coming into effect, as the Indian cabinet has already given its consent to the deal. Britain is the sixth-largest investor in India with investments of around $36 billion. There are 1,000 Indian companies in the country, with 1,00,000 employees, with a total of $2 billion investment. 99% of Indian products will receive duty-free access to the UK market, covering nearly all of India's current trade value. Apart from the free trade agreement, the biggest the UK has done since leaving the European Union, the two sides also sealed a double contribution convention. It provides for exemption for employers of Indian workers from paying social security contributions in the UK. India's exports to the U.K. rose by 12.6% to $14.5 billion, while imports grew by 2.3% to $8.6 billion in 2024-25. The bilateral trade between India and the U.K. increased to $21.34 billion in 2023-24 from $20.36 billion in 2022-23. From London, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in the ties between the two countries following a spell of frostiness under Mr Muizzu.