Ludhaina, Feb 1: Ludhiana’s long-standing requirement for dedicated air connectivity has been met as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the new terminal building at Halwara airport on Sunday. The ceremony coincided with Guru Ravidas Jayanti, during which the Prime Minister will also formally rename the Adampur airport as Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport.
The new facility near Ludhiana is expected to serve as a vital link for the state’s industrial center, ending a development timeline that spanned nearly three decades. Developed at a cost of 54.67 crore, the terminal is a collaborative effort between the Punjab Government and the Airports Authority of India. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu noted that the project is designed to handle aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A321.
“The airport will boost trade, industry, tourism, healthcare and education, and contribute meaningfully to the overall socio-economic development of Punjab,” Naidu said. He further mentioned that flight operations by Air India are slated to begin in the first week of March 2026.
The renaming of the Adampur airport in Jalandhar followed requests from the community and the Punjab government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had previously raised the matter to honor the legacy of Guru Ravidas. During the visit, the Prime Minister also scheduled a stop at Dera Sachkhand Ballan to participate in the 649th birth anniversary celebrations of the saint.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, who maintained consistent pressure on authorities to see the project through, stated that the airport is a critical asset for the local economy. “This will drastically cut travel time for industry and exporters, improve connectivity and strengthen Punjab’s position as a manufacturing and investment hub,” Arora said.
