New Delhi, May 15: Ludhiana has reached a significant milestone in its aviation and infrastructure journey with the inaugural flight landing at the newly constructed Halwara Airport on Friday. This long-awaited development aims to enhance trade, connectivity, and industrial growth in Punjab.
Union Minister of Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, took to social media platform X to describe this moment as historic for Ludhiana and Punjab’s economy.
Bittu wrote on X, “Ludhiana has taken flight! Today marks a historic achievement as I traveled on the first flight to Halwara Airport alongside MPs Vikramjeet Sahni and Rajinder Gupta.”
He further stated, “This project fulfills a 30-year-old demand and will significantly boost our local industries and economic development. A heartfelt thank you to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this visionary gift to Punjab. The business and export potential of Ludhiana is limitless.”
The opening of Halwara Airport is expected to greatly improve air connectivity for Ludhiana, one of Punjab’s largest industrial hubs known for textiles, hosiery, bicycle manufacturing, and engineering goods. Industry stakeholders have long advocated for a functional airport in the region to facilitate business travel, exports, and investment opportunities.
Additionally, the airport is anticipated to make travel easier for residents of surrounding districts and provide a substantial boost to Punjab’s economic infrastructure.
Earlier on Thursday, Bittu flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express from Amritsar Junction to New Jalpaiguri, highlighting the central government’s ongoing focus on improving connectivity in Punjab and northern and eastern India.
According to Bittu, the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train designed specifically for the common traveler, offering a premium long-distance travel experience at affordable fares.
He noted, “This new service will significantly strengthen rail connectivity between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, providing passengers with a comfortable and economical travel option.”
The train will operate weekly between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri, expected to enhance connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.
Bittu also mentioned that the railway budget for Punjab has increased to ₹5,673 crores for 2026-27. He stated that over ₹26,000 crores worth of projects are currently under construction across the state.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 30 railway stations in Punjab are being redeveloped with world-class passenger amenities. Major stations in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, and Muktsar are undergoing extensive modernization.
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