Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renamed the Adampur airport in Punjab as Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur, paying tribute to the revered saint and social reformer Guru Ravidas. The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab, marking the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
The renaming reflects the government’s recognition of Guru Ravidas’ enduring teachings of equality, compassion, and human dignity, values that continue to shape India’s social and cultural fabric.
Civil Terminal at Halwara Airport Inaugurated Virtually
In a significant push to Punjab’s aviation infrastructure, the Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated the civil terminal building at Halwara airport in Ludhiana district at around 3:50 pm.
Developed at the Indian Air Force base in Halwara, located in the Raikot subdivision, the new terminal is expected to enhance civilian air travel while opening new avenues for trade, industry, and tourism in the region.
Project Cost and Development
The terminal project has been developed as a joint venture between the Punjab government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with a total investment of ₹54.67 crore.
Officials believe the facility will significantly reduce travel time for residents and attract fresh investment to Punjab’s industrial belt.
Leaders Across Parties Share Stage
Several senior leaders were present at the inauguration ceremony at Halwara airport, including:
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu
- Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu
- Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol
- Member of Parliament Rajinder Gupta
Despite belonging to different political parties, leaders were seen exchanging greetings on stage, underlining the bipartisan importance of infrastructure development in the state. Local MLAs and BJP leaders also attended the event.
Visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar
After arriving at Adampur airport around 3:45 pm, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar to pay respects on the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in an official statement issued earlier, said the renaming of the airport was a mark of respect to Guru Ravidas, whose philosophy of social harmony and equality remains deeply relevant today.
Boost to Punjab’s Connectivity and Economy
The inauguration of the Halwara civil terminal and the renaming of Adampur airport are expected to play a key role in strengthening Punjab’s regional air connectivity. Improved aviation infrastructure is likely to support industrial growth, job creation, and tourism, particularly in central Punjab.
With these initiatives, the Centre aims to integrate Punjab more closely into India’s expanding aviation network while honouring the legacy of one of the country’s most influential social reformers.