Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
India

Punjab Cabinet Approves Setting Up Of International Airport At Halwara

Darpan News Desk IANS, 04 Dec, 2018 11:57 AM
  • Punjab Cabinet Approves Setting Up Of International Airport At Halwara
The Punjab Cabinet on Monday approved the setting up of a new international civil terminal at the Indian Air Force station at Halwara in Ludhiana district.
 
 
The civil terminal would be developed jointly by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Punjab government through a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be constituted for the purpose.
 
 
While the AAI would have a majority stake of 51 per cent, the state government, through the Greater Ludhiana Development Authority, will have 49 per cent stake in the project, which is aimed to boost industrial activity in the state, according to an official spokesperson.
 
 
The cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, also gave go-ahead for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AAI for the same.
 
 
The decision of setting up the terminal fulfils an old demand of the state, which was first taken up by Singh with the central government during his previous tenure as chief minister.
 
 
The matter, however, remained in abeyance pending clearances from the Centre, the spokesperson said.
 
 
The state government would provide 135.54 acres of land free-of-cost to the JVC by way of its equity in the project. 
 
 
The capital expenditure on development of the new airport would be borne by the AAI, whereas the expenditure on the operation, maintenance and repairs would be taken care of by the JVC.
 
 
According to the spokesperson, the first phase of the project, which will include development of a new international civil enclave over an area of 135.54 acres for full-fledged operations up to Code-4C type aircraft, is likely to be completed within three years. 
 
 
The project, aimed at giving a fillip to the economic development of Punjab's business and industrial hub Ludhiana, also fulfils a long-pending demand of the Ludhiana-based industry, which the chief minister has now acceded.
 
 
Ludhiana is Punjab's largest industrial hub with a population of nearly two million, which is presently serviced by a small airport at Sahnewal under the operational control of the AAI, which runs RCS-UDAN flights to Delhi.
 
 
Ludhiana also has the advantage of being at the geographical centre of Punjab.
 
 
With the length of the runway at the present airport being limited, it only allows for operation of small aircraft which severely limits air connectivity.
 
 
Moreover, as the city has grown significantly around the airport, acquisition of additional land and expansion of the existing airport at Sahnewal is not feasible. Ludhiana has substantial export potential, which could be exploited with the growth of cargo traffic. 

MORE India ARTICLES

#MeToo Controversy: Punjab Minister Charanjit Channi Says Issue Given Political Colour

#MeToo Controversy: Punjab Minister Charanjit Channi Says Issue Given Political Colour
A week after being embroiled in the #MeToo storm for sending an inappropriate message to a woman IAS officer, Punjab Technical Education Minister Charanjit Channi in an exclusive interview on Tuesday said political colour had been given to the issue.

#MeToo Controversy: Punjab Minister Charanjit Channi Says Issue Given Political Colour

Sikh-American Body Seeks PM Modi's Help To Open Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

Sikh-American Body Seeks PM Modi's Help To Open Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
A delegation of Sikhs from various parts of the US under the banner of California-based United Sikh Mission submitted a memorandum addressed to PM Modi.

Sikh-American Body Seeks PM Modi's Help To Open Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

It's Official! Isha Ambani And Anand Piramal To Get Married On December 12 In Mumbai

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal -- both scions of the Ambani and Piramal business families -- will get married in Mumbai on December 12, their parents announced on Tuesday.

It's Official! Isha Ambani And Anand Piramal To Get Married On December 12 In Mumbai

Punjab: AAP Announces 5 Lok Sabha Candidates, To Repeat Bhagwant Mann

Punjab: AAP Announces 5 Lok Sabha Candidates, To Repeat Bhagwant Mann
After talks with rebels failed, the Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday announced the names of five candidates in Punjab for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Punjab: AAP Announces 5 Lok Sabha Candidates, To Repeat Bhagwant Mann

Jaish Chief Masood Azhar's Nephew Killed In Kashmir Encounter, Carbine Rifle Recovered

An M-4 carbine rifle, which was possibly used for carrying out sniper attacks, was recovered from the encounter spot in Chaanketaar village of Tral.

Jaish Chief Masood Azhar's Nephew Killed In Kashmir Encounter, Carbine Rifle Recovered

Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik Blessed With Son; Named Izhaan Mirza-Malik

Tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoib Malik, who were blessed with a son on Tuesday morning, have named the little one Izhaan Mirza-Malik.

Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik Blessed With Son; Named Izhaan Mirza-Malik