Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
Ludhiana marked a major milestone in its aviation and infrastructure journey on Friday as the first flight successfully landed at the newly constructed Halwara Airport. The long-awaited development is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and boost industrial growth across Punjab.
Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu described the moment as historic for Ludhiana and Punjab’s economy. Taking to social media platform X, he shared that he travelled on the inaugural flight along with MPs Vikramjit Sahni and Rajinder Gupta, calling it a landmark achievement for the region.
Bittu noted that the project fulfills a 30-year-old demand and will provide a strong push to local industries and economic development. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he termed a “visionary gift” to Punjab, adding that Ludhiana’s trade and export potential is now “limitless.”
Halwara Airport is expected to significantly 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 demanded a functional airport in the region to ease business travel, exports, and investment opportunities.
The airport’s operationalisation is also expected to benefit residents of nearby districts by making travel more convenient and strengthening Punjab’s overall economic infrastructure.
Earlier, on Thursday, Ravneet Singh Bittu also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express from Amritsar Junction to New Jalpaiguri, highlighting the government’s continued focus on improving connectivity across northern and eastern India.
The Amrit Bharat Express, a modern non-AC train designed for common passengers, offers affordable long-distance travel with improved comfort. It is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, while promoting trade, tourism, and regional development. The train will operate once a week between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri.
