Halwara international airport was a major political talking point before the Ludhiana byelection, with leaders racing to claim credit for meeting a long-pending demand of the business community. But after the elections, the project has slowed, leaving industrialists disappointed.
Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu recently tweeted that he had reviewed the progress with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Civil Aviation Ministry. He blamed local issues, saying the Public Works Department (PWD) had not completed drainage works but promised they would finish within a week. He also said once the airport is handed over, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security will give final clearances. Punjab has already provided 58 security personnel for training. Bittu assured that the Halwara international airport inauguration will happen soon.
Media reports suggested a Delhi meeting on September 26 between AAI, district administration, and state officials. But local authorities denied receiving any such intimation. Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora stated that the state had done its part and pending work would be expedited.
Still, industrialists remain frustrated. They argue that despite promises, there is no clear timeline for when flights from Halwara international airport will finally start.
