Punjab Newsline, New Delhi / Ambala-
Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma has taken forward the long-pending issue of operationalizing the Ambala Civil Enclave Airport and creating aviation training opportunities for Haryana’s youth during his meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
Highlighting Ambala’s strategic and historical importance, Kartikeya Sharma noted that despite hosting one of India’s oldest airfields, commercial flight operations under the RCS–UDAN scheme are yet to begin. He pointed out that the project, approved in 2018, has already crossed major milestones, including the transfer of land worth ₹133 crore by the Ministry of Defence and the laying of the foundation stone by the Haryana Government in October 2023.
Sharma underlined that early commencement of flight services from Ambala will boost connectivity and economic activity across Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal and surrounding districts, while also strengthening the region’s aviation capacity by acting as a reliable alternate airport to Chandigarh, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Beyond connectivity, Kartikeya Sharma raised the issue of aviation skilling and employment, stressing the growing national demand for trained pilots and aviation professionals. He proposed the development of a pilot training and flying school hub in the Kalka–Pinjore region, along with expansion of the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, to ensure that local youth directly benefit from India’s expanding aviation sector.
The Civil Aviation Minister responded positively, sharing detailed inputs on the current status and future roadmap of the Ambala Airport project. He acknowledged the importance of strengthening regional airports and assured that the proposals related to aviation training infrastructure, including pilot training and flying school facilities in the Pinjore region, will be examined in detail.
Welcoming the Minister’s response, Kartikeya Sharma said that such focused discussions are essential to convert long-pending projects into on-ground results. He reiterated his commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen infrastructure, generate employment, and unlock Ambala’s full development potential.