Hisar, Haryana – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana, and flagged off the inaugural flight to Ayodhya, signalling a significant step in the state’s aviation and infrastructure expansion.
The announcement coincided with Ambedkar Jayanti, which the Prime Minister marked by paying tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, calling the day a “festival” for the Dalits and other marginalised communities. Addressing a packed rally, he underlined the government’s continued emphasis on inclusive development and regional upliftment.
Doubling of Airports in a Decade
While speaking to the crowd, Modi pointed to a dramatic increase in India’s airport network, stating that the country had just 74 operational airports before 2014. Over the past decade, that number has more than doubled, now standing at over 150. He credited this expansion to the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which was launched to boost regional connectivity and make air travel accessible to more Indians.
Modi described the Hisar airport terminal as a “symbol of Haryana’s aspirations”, noting how the project would not only improve air connectivity but also catalyse economic activity in the region.
Details of the New Terminal
The Rs 410 crore Hisar terminal project is designed to modernise the region’s aviation infrastructure. It will include a contemporary passenger terminal, a cargo handling facility, and an advanced air traffic control building. The project aims to transform Maharaja Agrasen Airport into a fully functional regional hub under the UDAN scheme.
The inaugural flight to Ayodhya marked the launch of scheduled services from Hisar. Flights will operate twice a week to Ayodhya and three times a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. This new connectivity is expected to reduce travel time significantly for residents of Haryana and neighbouring regions.
A Nod to Haryana’s Cultural and National Role
During his address, the Prime Minister praised Haryana’s contributions to the country, especially in the fields of defence and sports. “Your soldiers, sportsmen, and brotherhood are the identity of Haryana,” he said.
He also revisited his early political engagements in the state, recalling how the BJP’s roots were laid by hardworking grassroots workers. “The foundation for the BJP in Haryana was built by the efforts of common people who toiled with dedication,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the party’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), Modi said the BJP remains committed to ensuring development reaches every citizen, especially those who have historically been left behind. “We are working to make sure even those wearing slippers can fly. Today, that vision is turning into reality,” he said.
Expanding Power and Energy Infrastructure
Later in the day, the Prime Minister travelled to Yamuna Nagar where he laid the foundation for multiple development projects. A key highlight was the announcement of an 800 MW thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant. Spanning 233 acres and with an estimated cost of Rs 8,470 crore, the power unit is expected to significantly strengthen Haryana’s electricity generation capacity.
Officials confirmed that the project is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the state, reducing dependence on external sources and providing a reliable electricity backbone for industrial and residential sectors.
Push for Clean Energy with GOBARDhan Initiative
Furthering India’s clean energy ambitions, Modi also laid the foundation for a Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant at Mukarabpur in Yamuna Nagar. The facility, part of the GOBARDhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme, is projected to produce 2,600 metric tonnes of biogas annually.
The initiative is designed to convert agricultural and organic waste into usable energy, helping reduce carbon emissions while providing farmers with an alternative source of income. The plant will contribute to India’s growing network of sustainable energy sources and enhance rural waste management practices.
Key Road Infrastructure Boost with Rewari Bypass
Among the day’s major infrastructure announcements was the inauguration of the Rewari Bypass, a 14.4-kilometre road built under the Bharatmala Pariyojana at a cost of Rs 1,070 crore. The bypass aims to ease urban congestion in Rewari city and reduce the travel time between Delhi and Narnaul by nearly an hour.
The corridor is expected to improve regional logistics and commerce, directly benefiting businesses and commuters in the region. Local officials believe it will also boost trade activity by offering better access to transport hubs and smoother flow of goods and services.
Strengthening Regional Development Through Connectivity
Each of the projects announced by the Prime Minister on Monday reflects a unified push to enhance connectivity, strengthen infrastructure, and energise economic activity in both rural and urban parts of Haryana.
By tying these projects into the broader goals of schemes like UDAN, Bharatmala, GOBARDhan, and Viksit Bharat, the government appears intent on creating a comprehensive growth model that brings tangible change to regions often overlooked in the country’s past development cycles.
The Prime Minister’s speech struck a tone of confidence, particularly in his references to promises fulfilled. His mention of air travel being extended to the common man echoed the sentiment behind the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
These efforts also play into a broader electoral narrative as the country edges closer to the general elections. The infrastructure push, especially in Haryana — a politically important state — highlights the government’s strategy to connect development with public sentiment and voter outreach.
The foundation stone of the Hisar airport terminal and other infrastructure announcements signal a clear push towards comprehensive regional development in Haryana. With improved air connectivity, enhanced energy infrastructure, clean energy initiatives, and smoother roadways, the state is poised for a transformation that aligns with India’s national goals of economic growth and sustainable development. The government’s intent to deliver on promises and bring growth to every citizen remains central to its strategy as it looks to expand its developmental outreach across the country.
