PWD fixes July 31 deadline for Ambala Civil Enclave project

Nitish Sharma

Ambala, July 6

With the civil work of the under-construction terminal of the Ambala Civil Enclave (domestic airport) project entering its final phase, the PWD (B&R) has set a target to complete it by July 31.

The state government has planned to start operation from the civil enclave in August. A plan to begin operation of the Ambala and Hisar airports on the same day is also being formed. PWD executive engineer (B&R) Ritesh Aggarwal said, “Over 80 per cent work has been completed and the civil work and allied works are in its final phases. We have set a target to complete the project by July 31 so that it is ready for operation in August. The bookings, security checks and other formalities will be completed at this terminal. The passengers will be taken from this terminal to the Air Force station in a bus, and from there they will board the plane. The runway of the Air Force will be used for the project.”

Former Home Minister and Ambala Cantonment MLA Anil Vij, said, “There is a plan to start operation from Ambala’s domestic airport and Hisar airport on the same day. We are regularly holding meetings regarding the project. I have asked the PWD (B&R) to increase the labour force and complete the work at the earliest. I had a discussion with the Aviation Minister as well regarding the project yesterday. Efforts are being made to start its operation in August.”

“The flights’ route from Ambala will be finalised soon. The main road in front of the Air Force station needs to be widened as there will be an increase in traffic in the coming days. I will request the Defence Minister for approval of widening of the road and I think we will get it soon as ample space is available for the work,” he added.

Project approved under Udan 3.0 scheme

In December 2018, the civil airport project was approved under the Udan 3.0 scheme by the Central Government. In 2019, routes of Srinagar and Lucknow were awarded to an airline by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and it was expected to start flights from July 15, 2020. But the project got stuck due to land-related problems. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October last year.