Ludhiana: After missing more than a dozen deadlines over five years, the Halwara Airport terminal is finally set for its official debut. Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the new terminal building on Feb 1.The announcement has sparked a wave of optimism among Ludhiana’s industrial and business communities, who have advocated for the facility since the project was first approved in 2018. DC Jain and senior superintendent of police (rural) Ankur Gupta visited the site on Wednesday to review security and logistical arrangements for the high-profile event.Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to hold a final review meeting with state officials on Thursday to ensure the ceremony proceeds without hitches. “We have received the formal programme from the PMO,” DC Jain said. “The terminal building is ready for its virtual dedication to the public.”‘Winter-Proof’ AdvantageOfficials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have said that Halwara offers significant technical advantages over the existing Sahnewal Airport. Unlike Sahnewal, which shuts down frequently during winter due to low visibility, Halwara is equipped with a longer runway and an instrument landing system (ILS), which allows for safe landings in dense fog. “We intend to shift operations to Halwara as it ensures year-round reliability,” an AAI source said. “Air India has already requested a seven-day flight slot, which is under review currently.”Timeline of a Long-Delayed DreamThe project has seen a turbulent development cycle since its inception in Dec 2020, when the foundation stone laid for the boundary wall. Work has stalled for months due to funding disputes with the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), while CM Bhagwant Mann has once intervened to resume construction. In 2025, a previously scheduled inauguration by the PM was deferred at the last minute.Economic ImpactLocal industry leaders, including CICU president Upkar Singh Ahuja, believe the airport will be a “game-changer” for Punjab’s economy. The Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) has already proposed a unique support model, with members offering to pre-purchase 50% of flight tickets for the first three months to ensure the route’s commercial viability. “Ludhiana is a global industrial hub,” Ahuja said. “Connecting us directly to Delhi and Mumbai effectively connects our manufacturers to the entire world.”
