CHANDIGARH, June 9 -- Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment B.L. Verma on Tuesday expressed confidence that flight operations from the newly built Domestic Airport (Civil Enclave) at Ambala Cantonment would begin soon, making it the country's 165th operational airport.
After inspecting the facility along with Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij, Verma said India's aviation infrastructure has witnessed rapid expansion under the BJP-led government. He noted that while only 74 airports were operational before the BJP came to power, the number has now risen to 164.
Praising the development work in Ambala Cantonment, Verma said a new chapter of progress was being written in the constituency under Vij's leadership. He also congratulated the state government, officials and engineers associated with the project.
During the visit, Vij informed the Union Minister that Ambala Cantonment houses one of the country's oldest and most strategically significant military airbases. Owing to its importance, the British had also developed an airbase in Ambala during their rule. He said the runway is equipped with modern facilities that allow aircraft operations round the clock and in all weather conditions. Developed over nearly 20 acres, the domestic airport is expected to emerge as a major aviation hub for passengers from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
Vij highlighted that Ambala Cantonment is already one of North India's busiest railway junctions, handling around 276 train arrivals and departures daily.
He further informed that several airlines have applied to operate flights from the airport and that the Civil Aviation Ministry has found no technical hurdles to commencing services.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.