Infrastructure
Punjab: Amid Prior Deadline Setbacks, Halwara International Airport Now Aims For March 2024 Completion
Once operational, the airport will provide ease of air travel for industrialists and students of Ludhiana and nearby districts. (Image: APAO)
After encountering multiple delays, the ongoing construction of Halwara International Airport, near Ludhiana is expected to reach completion by the end of March 2024.
Although the terminal building is nearly finished, progress in associated works has been relatively slow. The project's most recent deadline was set for the end of October.
An official from the public works department involved in the project said that construction of the apron and taxiway has started and around 10 per cent of the work has been done, as reported by Times of India.
The international airport is located 40 km from Ludhiana, and was expected to be completed by September this year, according to earlier reports.
The project had already been delayed due to various reasons, missing its previous deadlines of January and June 2022.
The construction work of the project was divided into two parts — construction of internal roads, estate public health services and campus lighting, and construction of airport terminal building at Air Force Station in Halwara — which is one of the oldest frontline airbases of the Indian Air Force, close to Ludhiana.
Around 60 per cent work on the roads has been done and peripheral roads are being constructed, the official added.
As per the officer, work within the Air Force station premises for the International Airport is yet to begin. A dedicated team has been assembled to handle tasks such as widening the taxi track and constructing the link taxi track.
While the terminal building's construction nears completion, final refinements will be applied before its inauguration.
Further, officials of the private company engaged in work on the terminal building said that around 97 per cent work is complete.
Officials from the Airports Authority of India want to expedite the project's completion to facilitate the relocation of operations from Sahnewal to Halwara airport.
They added that Halwara International Airport would have a longer runway for operation of bigger aircraft and also facilitate landing at low visibility with the Instrument Landing System installed here, as per TOI.
Once operational, the airport will provide ease of air travel for industrialists and students of Ludhiana and nearby districts. Many residents, including industrialists are eagerly awaiting the increased accessibility following the completion of the project.
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