Centre gives permission for international airport at Halwara

According to reports, very recently, a team of officers of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited Halwara for a survey and also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed airport. This DPR is to be submitted to the state government of Punjab. Halwara has also been included by AAI in the list of unserved airports under UDAN scheme. Invitations for bids will be sent to airlines for operating to from Halwara in the third round of bidding, for the regional connectivity scheme (RCS)

As reported, this was revealed by AAI in reply to a Right to Information (RTI) query. The Punjab government has reportedly suggested the establishment of an international civil enclave at the Halwara Indian Air Force Station. The AAI has conducted a prefeasibility study and the report is expected to be forwarded to the state soon. The civil enclave will reportedly come up after the state government hands over the required land to AAI and a memorandum of understanding has been signed.

According to reports, the Punjab government is planning to modify the Halwara Air Force Station into a full-fledged new civilian port, from where international flights, too, will function. As reported, there is an urgent need for an international airport in southern Punjab and the chief minister, the chief secretary and top officers are looking into every development. The project is expected to be completed within a tenure of three years.