Punjab budget unveils major boost for Ludhiana: Medical college, ₹250 Cr water project and Halwara airport flights

Ludhiana (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab government's budget presented today presented several significant gifts for the industrial capital, Ludhiana. Important announcements were made to strengthen health, connectivity, and infrastructure. The establishment of a government medical college in the city, a 250 crore water supply project, and plans to soon resume flights from Halwara International Airport have raised new hopes among the people.

Ludhiana to Become a Major Healthcare Hub

The government has indicated that it will develop Ludhiana not only as an industrial city but also as a major healthcare hub. The establishment of a government medical college in the city will eliminate the need for local students to travel to other cities for medical education. This will provide relief, especially to poor and middle-class students. Additionally, the availability of doctors and modern healthcare facilities in the city will also increase.

A 250 crore rupee water supply project has been announced in the budget for Ludhiana. This plan will upgrade the city's old and dilapidated water supply network. Upon completion, 24-hour clean water supply will be possible in many areas that have long suffered from water shortages.

Soon flights from Halwara Airport

The terminal construction of Halwara International Airport is almost complete and the government has made special provisions for it in the budget. The plan is to start commercial flights from here soon. Once this is operational, passengers will no longer have to rely on Sahnewal Airport, which operates smaller aircraft. Larger aircraft flights will be possible from Halwara, making travel to other major cities, including Delhi, easier and faster.

Industry and employment will receive a boost

Industry representative Pankaj Sharma stated that these plans will provide better connectivity to the city's hosiery and bicycle industries, both domestically and internationally. The construction of the airport and medical college is expected to create thousands of new employment opportunities in the hotel, market, transport, and logistics sectors.

Land prices in Halwara and the city's outskirts are also expected to rise. The biggest relief will be that people will no longer have to travel to other cities for treatment of serious illnesses, as advanced healthcare facilities will be available in Ludhiana itself.