In a significant boost to Punjab’s regional connectivity and aviation infrastructure, the new Halwara Airport terminal in Ludhiana is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, 2025. The project, developed under the aegis of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), has been designed with a strong emphasis on durability and efficiency, employing steel-intensive structural elements in its frame, roofing, and passenger facilities.
The terminal building incorporates reinforced steel frameworks and prefabricated structural components, ensuring both speed of construction and long-term resilience. This strategic use of structural steel aligns with India’s broader push toward sustainable and modular airport construction, especially for regional terminals under the UDAN scheme.
Local authorities and AAI officials have confirmed that final preparations are in place for the launch, with commercial operations expected to begin by September 2025. The new terminal is expected to significantly reduce the air connectivity gap in central Punjab, offering domestic services and potential for future international upgrades.
The Halwara terminal’s steel design ensures it can withstand variable climatic conditions while allowing for easy expansion. Experts note that steel-framed airport terminals offer advantages such as lightweight superstructures, faster on-site assembly, corrosion resistance, and seismic performance-factors increasingly important for India’s expanding aviation footprint.
This inauguration marks not only a milestone for Ludhiana but also serves as a testament to the growing role of structural steel in modern Indian infrastructure. The Halwara project is also expected to support local job creation and regional economic activity by improving passenger and cargo movement.
