Adampur, February 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today officially renamed Adampur Airport in Jalandhar as ‘Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur’, in a tribute to the revered saint and social reformer on the occasion of his 649th birth anniversary. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that the renaming honours Guru Ravidass Ji’s enduring legacy of equality, compassion and human dignity, values that continue to shape India’s social fabric.
Modi also visited the Dera Sachkhand Ballan and met the Dera Head Sant Niranjan Dass. On this occasion, PM also addressed the gathering. While paying tributes to Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj, he said, “In his thoughts, the spirit of justice and compassion was supreme, which forms the very foundation of our schemes for public welfare. The lamp of social harmony and goodwill that he ignited will forever continue to illuminate the path of the countrymen.”
Union Minister Ravneet Bittu and other leaders at the newly inaugurated Civil Terminal at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in a significant boost to Punjab’s aviation infrastructure, the Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated the Civil Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana. Situated within the Indian Air Force base in the Raikot sub-division, the new terminal is poised to enhance regional air connectivity and catalyze industrial and economic development in Ludhiana and its surrounding agricultural and manufacturing zones.
The Prime Minister also posted on X: “The inauguration of a terminal building at the Halwara Airport is a moment of immense joy for the people of Punjab, especially Ludhiana and 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.”
Notably, the previous Ludhiana airport was limited by a short runway, accommodating only smaller aircraft. The newly developed civil enclave at Halwara addresses this limitation with a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft, thereby expanding the region’s aviation capabilities.
Reflecting the Prime Minister’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly development, the Halwara terminal incorporates green features such as LED lighting, insulated roofing, rainwater harvesting, sewage and water treatment systems and recycled water usage for landscaping. Its architectural design draws inspiration from Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, offering travelers a unique and immersive experience.
The inauguration ceremony at Halwara was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Union Minister Ravneet Bittu and other dignitaries.
Cargo Terminal Should Begin Operations Along with Flights: Ravneet Bittu
Union Minister Ravneet Bittu and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann during the inauguration of the Civil Terminal at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana on Sunday.
Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Bittu has said that the cargo terminal at Halwara Airport should be made operational along with passenger flights, as the region has a huge demand for air cargo services.
Speaking during the virtual inaugural ceremony of Halwara Airport, Bittu urged the Union Minister for Civil Aviation to ensure the early start of cargo operations. He said that the airport would handle far more passenger and cargo traffic than expected, given Ludhiana’s strong industrial base.
“At present, industrialists from this region have to depend on Amritsar or Chandigarh airports for cargo movement. Halwara Airport will cater to the entire industrial belt and significantly reduce logistics costs,” Bittu said.
The Union Minister also proposed naming the airport after Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, paying tribute to the legendary freedom fighter and revolutionary. Bittu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the airport and described it as a historic gift to the people of Punjab, saying the project would boost industry, trade, and employment in the region.
