Punjab’s aviation map witnessed a symbolic and developmental shift on 2 February 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur airport in Jalandhar after the revered saint Guru Ravidas, while also inaugurating a new civil terminal at Halwara airport in Ludhiana. The twin announcements combine cultural recognition with infrastructure development, strengthening regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme and fulfilling long-standing public and political demands in the state.
Why Adampur Airport Was Renamed After Guru Ravidas
- The Adampur airport in Jalandhar has been renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport, honouring the legacy of Guru Ravidas, a prominent social reformer and Bhakti movement saint.
- The decision fulfilled a long-pending demand raised by multiple political parties and social groups in Punjab.
- A resolution seeking this renaming was passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 2020, and the demand was reiterated by the current state government.
- The move carries strong social and cultural significance, particularly for communities that deeply revere Guru Ravidas.
Adampur Airport: Infrastructure and Connectivity Status
- Revamped at a cost of ₹125 crore under the UDAN 5.0 scheme, the Adampur airport serves Punjab’s Doaba region.
- Spread over 40 acres, the civil terminal operates using the Adampur Air Force Station airstrip.
- It resumed operations on 31 March 2025 after a four-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Currently, it operates limited flights, including services by Star Air and IndiGo, connecting cities like Mumbai, Nanded and Bengaluru, though connectivity remains constrained.
Challenges Around Adampur Airport Operations
- Despite infrastructure upgrades, passengers continue to flag concerns about the 4.3-km rural approach road, which remains narrow.
- Officials have cited land acquisition delays as the main hurdle in widening the road.
- Earlier, routes to Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai were discontinued due to low passenger demand, highlighting the challenge of sustaining regional air routes despite infrastructure availability.
- This reflects a common issue under regional connectivity schemes.
Halwara Airport: New Civil Terminal for Ludhiana
- Alongside the renaming, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the newly constructed civil terminal at Halwara airport in Ludhiana district.
- Built at a cost of ₹54 crore, the terminal has been developed by expanding the Halwara Air Force base.
- It has the capacity to handle 300 passengers at a time, significantly improving civil aviation facilities in the industrial hub of Ludhiana.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | Adampur airport renamed; Halwara terminal inaugurated |
| Cultural Significance | Named after Guru Ravidas |
| Connectivity Push | UDAN-based regional aviation |
| New Facility | Civil terminal at Halwara, Ludhiana |
Question
Q. Adampur airport in Punjab has been renamed after which personality?
A. Guru Nanak
B. Guru Gobind Singh
C. Guru Ravidas
D. Bhagat Singh
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