After remaining in the spotlight for months following its much-publicised inauguration, the newly operational Halwara International Airport has landed in controversy after the first major spell of rain allegedly exposed serious flaws in the construction of the terminal building, which cost around Rs 27 crore, and the total project cost Rs 54 crore.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds on Saturday caused damage to portions of the terminal building, including sections near the departure area and ticketing counters. Parts of the false ceiling, roof panels and decorative structures reportedly collapsed, while water leakage was also reported from different sections of the building. The incident has triggered fresh questions over the quality of construction work carried out at the airport.
The airport, which was inaugurated recently amid much fanfare, was projected as a major infrastructure milestone for Punjab. However, the damage caused during the season’s first significant rainfall has raised concerns over the quality of work executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), which was responsible for constructing the terminal building.
According to information, the terminal building project was initiated in 2021 after tenders worth Rs 54 crore. The work reportedly faced multiple delays during construction. Officials familiar with the project said the original contractor had left the project midway, following which the remaining work was completed by the PWD under the “cost and risk" clause.
After facing repeated delays, missed deadlines and changes during execution, the terminal building was finally inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 1, 2026. The airport had remained a major talking point in Punjab due to its long wait for completion and was projected as a key boost for air connectivity in Ludhiana and surrounding industrial regions.
Videos and photographs showing damaged ceiling panels, leakage and fallen structures inside the terminal building soon surfaced on social media, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Halwara Airport Director Jagir Singh said the damage was caused due to the severe storm and rainfall experienced in the area. He added that directions have been issued and restoration work has begun and will be completed shortly.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said an inquiry had been ordered to Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jagraon. “I have marked an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the incident. Simultaneously, directions have been issued for immediate restoration of the damaged portions so that passengers do not face inconvenience,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu shared a video of the damaged portions of the airport on social media and termed the incident unfortunate. He alleged that the terminal building had failed to withstand even the first monsoon rain and demanded strict action against those responsible for any negligence in construction.
