Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the first commercial flight between Hisar and Ayodhya and started the construction of a new terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar. These projects aim to improve air travel in Haryana by strengthening the state's infrastructure, increasing connectivity, and encouraging economic development.
A Step Forward for Haryana's Aviation Sector
The event in Hisar was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Prime Minister Modi spoke about the rapid growth in India's aviation sector under his government. He said, "Before 2014, there were only 74 airports in the country. Today, there are more than 150 airports. Imagine 74 airports in 70 years? Every year, we are setting new records for the number of passengers."
Modi also mentioned that airline companies have placed orders for 2,000 new aircraft. He said that the government is not only improving travel but also focusing on the welfare of the poor and ensuring social justice.
Development of Maharaja Agrasen Airport
Maharaja Agrasen Airport is located about 5 kilometers northeast of Hisar city, along National Highway 9. The airport is being developed in multiple stages. In the first phase, a modern terminal was built at a cost of ₹50 crore. A 3,000-metre runway has also been constructed to handle Airbus aircraft that can carry up to 180 passengers.
The airport was renamed Maharaja Agrasen International Airport in July 2021 by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The new name aims to promote tourism to nearby religious and historic places like Agroha Dham and Agroha Mound.
New Terminal and Future Plans
The new terminal, for which Modi laid the foundation, is part of the airport's second phase of development. The project will cost about ₹410 crore. The terminal will cover an area of 37,390 square meters and include a 2,235-square-metre cargo terminal and a new air traffic control (ATC) tower. The entire project is expected to be completed by April 17, 2027.
New Flight Routes for Better Connectivity
With the launch of the Hisar-Ayodhya flight, the airport is now connected to more cities. As part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Alliance Air on June 13, 2024, flights from Hisar will now go to Ayodhya, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. The Ayodhya flight will run twice a week, while flights to the other cities will operate three times a week.
To start these flight services, the Haryana government applied for a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 23, 2024. The license was granted to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on March 13, 2024.
Plans for an Integrated Aviation Hub
Haryana is also planning to build an Integrated Aviation Hub in Hisar. This hub will cover 7,200 acres of land-4,200 acres will be used for the airport and 3,000 acres will be set aside for an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster. This project is expected to attract investment, create jobs, and support the state's economic growth.
A Boost for Travel and Tourism
The improvements at Maharaja Agrasen Airport are expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region. With better air connectivity, people will find it easier and faster to travel to and from Hisar. The new terminal will offer modern passenger services, cargo handling, and improved flight operations, making air travel more comfortable and efficient.
Social Justice and Development Hand in Hand
During his visit to Hisar, Prime Minister Modi also announced development projects worth ₹10,000 crore. These projects were launched on the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Modi said the projects are meant to empower the Dalit community and support equal growth for all sections of society. Dr. Ambedkar, who helped write the Indian Constitution, is remembered for his work toward social justice and equality.
