Punjab Cabinet approves international civil terminal in Ludhiana

Punjab cabinet has given its nod for an international civil terminal at Ludhiana's Halwara air force station. The state government is all set to sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) with  Airport Authority of India (AAI) for the project, said a Dainik Bhaskar report.

The project, which is expected to boost Punjab's industrial development, is likely to complete in year 2021, the report said. 

The decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Amrinder Singh.

According to the report, construction of terminal will be carried out by a Joint Venture Company (JVC) under the aegis of AAI and the state government. The AAI will have 51% stake in the project while 49% will be held by the GALADA (Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority).

The AAI will reportedly bear the production cost while JVC will take the responsibility for maintenance.

Ludhiana is Punjab's biggest industrial area and an airport in Sahnewal connects the town with Delhi via flights. However, due to small runway, only small planes lands here, therefore, the state government approved the international civil terminal at Halwara air force station, said the report.

The residents of Ludhiana have also been demanding an international airport in the area, as it will facilitate the state’s Industrial and business hub.

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In another decision, the state government also passed a bill to constitute Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority to ensure the management and usage of water source in a right manner.

The cabinet decided that the authority will have some rights with regard to water management, in order to save wate