Ambala airport ready for take-off: Minister

Ambala: Banwari Lal Verma, the Union minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution and social justice and empowerment, said on Tuesday that the newly developed domestic airport at Ambala Cantonment was ready for operations and was expected to become India's 165th operational airport.After inspecting the facility along with Haryana minister Anil Vij, Verma said the number of operational airports in India had increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 under the Narendra Modi govt, and Ambala was set to join the network soon.Praising Vij's efforts, Verma said the long-awaited project had been realised due to his persistent initiatives and would open a new chapter in Ambala's development. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Prime Minister, the chief minister, and officials and engineers associated with the project.During the inspection, Vij highlighted the strategic importance of Ambala's military airbase, one of the country's oldest air force stations. He said the modern runway was capable of supporting day-and-night operations in all weather conditions.Spread across nearly 20 acres, the airport – Civil Enclave – is expected to improve air connectivity for passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions. Vij noted that Ambala Cantonment, already a major railway junction handling around 276 trains daily, would gain further connectivity benefits once flight services begin.He said several airlines had applied to operate from the airport and that the ministry of civil aviation had reported no technical obstacles to commencing services. Aircraft parking arrangements have also been completed, while the remaining minor works are expected to be finished within a week, paving the way for the launch of commercial flights, Vij added.Senior administrative officials, municipal representatives and BJP leaders were also present.MSID:: 131614300 413 |