New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Ludhiana marked a major milestone in its aviation and infrastructure journey on Friday as the inaugural flight landed at the newly operational Halwara Airport, a long-pending demand of the region aimed at boosting trade, connectivity, and industrial growth in Punjab.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu shared the development in a post on X, calling it a historic moment for Ludhiana and Punjab’s economy.

“Ludhiana Takes Flight! A historic milestone reached today as we boarded the inaugural flight to Halwara Airport along with MP Vikramjit Sahney Ji and MP Rajinder Gupta Ji,” Bittu posted.

“Fulfilling a 30-year-old demand, this operationalization is a massive boost for our local industry and economic growth. Huge thanks to PM Narendra Modi Ji for this visionary gift to Punjab. The sky is the limit for Ludhiana’s trade and exports,” he added.

The operationalisation of 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 facilitate business travel, exports, and investment opportunities.

The airport is also expected to ease travel for residents of nearby districts and provide a major push to Punjab’s economic infrastructure.

Earlier on Thursday, Bittu flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express from Amritsar Junction railway station to New Jalpaiguri, highlighting the Centre’s continued focus on improving connectivity in Punjab and across northern and eastern India.

According to Bittu, the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train specially designed for common passengers, offering a premium long-distance travel experience at economical fares. “This new service will significantly enhance rail connectivity between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, providing a comfortable and affordable travel option to passengers,” he said.

The train will operate weekly between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri and is expected to strengthen connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.

Bittu also stated that Punjab’s railway budget allocation had increased to Rs 5,673 crore for 2026-27. He said projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore are currently under execution 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 modernisation.

He further noted that the redevelopment of Chandigarh railway station, being undertaken at a cost of more than Rs 450 crore by the Rail Land Development Authority, remains one of the flagship infrastructure projects in the region.

–IANS

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