Upgraded airports to make Punjab key business, tourist hub

With the commencement of international flights from Mohali Airport, domestic flights from Sahnewal airport (Ludhiana) and upgradation of its main one in Amritsar by 2010, Punjab is all set to be one of the key destinations in South Asia for tourists and businessmen.

Expressing satisfaction over the signing of a joint venture for Mohali airport, deputy chief minister Punjab Sukbir Singh Badal said today in an official statement that this milestone will make the state one of the finest and most easily accessible tourist as well as business hub in South Asia.

He said that the starting of international flights from Mohali would have an economic multiplier effect on whole of North India besides propelling the state into the zone of international trade and commerce.

He said that work on upgradation of tarmac, taxiway and civil lounge building has already begun and domestic flights from Mohali airport would start from June 2010 while the facilities at the international airport in Amritsar will be upgraded simultaneously.

Punjab government on Thursday signed a joint venture agreement for the formation of JV company for undertaking the project between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and government of Haryana through Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) at Ministry of Civil Aviation Headquarters, New Delhi.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the three parties on January 4, 2009 for the development of the international airport, Mohali with 51% of equity share of Centre of India and 24.5% each of Punjab and Haryana governments.

Badal said about the Sahnewal airport that after getting permission for its upgradation as domestic airport, night landing facilities have been installed on this airstrip.

He said that domestic flight from this airport would start operating from December this year, fulfilling the much needed requirement of industry in Ludhiana.

Badal said that defense authorities have also approved operation of domestic flights from Bhisiana, that would provide be useful to people of Malwa region and also to tap increasing traffic to Bathinda after the starting of work on HPCL-Mittal Petro Chemical hub and refinery.