The Fact News Service
Ludhiana, November 29
MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and requested for expediting work at Halwara Airport by Indian Air Force (IAF).
Giving this information here on Friday, he added that during his meeting, he apprised the Defence Minister about the ongoing relaying work of the airstrip at Halwara Airport, which is operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). He opined that this project is crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of the airport and facilitating civil aviation activities.
He further apprised Defence Minister that he has been closely monitoring the progress of this project and have regularly conducting site visits and meetings with the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, the Airport Director of Ludhiana, representatives from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), officials from the Indian Air Force, the State Public Works Department (PWD), and other allied agencies. He added, “Despite our collective efforts, there are certain works, approvals and formalities pending from the IAF that are causing delays in the completion of the project.” 100 percent work has been completed at the civil side of the airport. The Halwara Airport will be operational after completion of work pending on IAF side.
Arora requested the Defence Minister to direct the concerned officials from the IAF to expedite the necessary approvals and formalities. This will ensure that the civil operations at Halwara Airport can commence at the earliest, thereby benefiting the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
Defence Minister has assured an immediate action and has instructed concerned to speed up the work.
It may be mentioned here that Arora had already held a meeting in August this year with a high-level team sent by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, the holding company and promoter of all Tata Group companies, with regard to possibilities of starting flights from the upcoming Airport at Halwara, after completion of entire work of the airport in the near future.
Meanwhile, Arora reiterated that the Halwara airport has the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers in one go. The airport has the provision for expansion in the future. Two wide bodied aircrafts can be parked at one time.
Arora reiterated that the Airport Project is the “dream project” of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann who sanctioned funds for it.
The airport is being set up in an area measuring 161.28 acres. Of this area, the built-up Terminal area is 2,000 square metres.
The total civil terminal cost excluding land is around Rs.70 Crores.
