Punjab: PM Modi renames Adampur airport after Guru Ravidas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renamed the Adampur airport here after Guru Ravidas on the revered saint's birth anniversary and also virtually inaugurated the terminal building at the Halwara airport in Ludhiana.
The prime minister reached the Adampur airport at around 3.45 pm from Delhi following the presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament.
Modi said it is a matter of immense honour and pride that today, on the auspicious occasion of Sant Ravidas Jayanti, it has been decided that the Adampur airport will now be known as 'Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport'.
From the airport, he visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan here on the occasion of the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
"This is a joyous day for countless people. It is a fitting tribute to the timeless ideals of Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. His message of equality, compassion and service continues to motivate us all greatly," Modi later said in a post on X.
He also virtually inaugurated the terminal building of the Halwara airport in Ludhiana, which will further advance aviation infrastructure in Punjab.
"The inauguration of a terminal building at the Halwara airport is a moment of immense joy for the people of Punjab, especially Ludhiana and the surrounding areas. Ludhiana, as we all know, is a vital industrial and commercial hub in Northern India.
"This city is known for its dynamic people. Our government is working tirelessly to improve air connectivity for this city, reflecting in the ongoing works for a modern airport," said Modi.
Developed at the Indian Air Force base in Halwara in the Raikot subdivision, the civil terminal is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity and boost industrial and economic growth in the region.
The airport's terminal building project is a Rs 54.67-crore joint venture between the Punjab government and the Airports Authority of India.
On the occasion, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and other dignitaries were present at the Halwara airport in Ludhiana.
Tight security arrangements were made for PM Modi's Jalandhar visit.
The operationalization of Halwara airport's terminal building is expected to enhance air connectivity in the region significantly, providing a boost to industrial activity, tourism, healthcare, and education, and thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Punjab, officials said.
Earlier, the airport at Ludhiana had a relatively small runway, suitable for small-sized aircraft. To improve connectivity and accommodate larger planes, a new civil enclave has been developed at Halwara, which has a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft, the officials said.
Aligned with the prime minister's vision of sustainable and environmentally responsible development, the terminal incorporates several green and energy-efficient features, including LED lighting, insulated roofing, rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and the use of recycled water for landscaping.
The architectural design reflects Punjab's rich cultural heritage, offering passengers a distinctive and regionally inspired travel experience.
The terminal building at Halwara, having built up area of 2,000 square metres with associated apron and other infrastructure, has been developed at a cost of Rs 54.67 crore with a peak-hour capacity of about 300 passengers and an annual handling capability of up to two lakh passengers.
The air connectivity from Ludhiana has been one of the major demands of the city-based industrialists who either have to take flights from Delhi, Chandigarh or Amritsar.
