Ministry approves use of defence land for Ambala Airport extension towards IAF Station

The Union Ministry of Defence has granted permission to the Haryana civil aviation department to use defence land to connect the civil enclave with the apron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Ambala Cantonment. This permission allows mutual use of the existing road within the IAF station to transport passengers from the terminal to the aircraft apron.

Permission for land use

The Ministry of Defence communicated its decision to officials of the defence estate, army, and state government on March 22. The permission, sanctioned by the President of India, allows the use of defence land measuring 0.63 acre on a license basis.
Initially, the license will be granted for a period of five years, with provision for renewal every five years upon payment of an annual license fee of ₹2,550 to the defence estates officer (DEO) of Ambala. The fee will be deposited in the Consolidated Funds of India. The land will be mutually used by the IAF and the Haryana civil aviation department, with the right of access and use of the road, including its maintenance, at their own expense.
Following the approval, a Board of Officers (BOO) will be formed, comprising officials from the IAF, civil aviation, and district administration. The BOO will demarcate the land, determine its exact area, assess the cost of land, evaluate its current use, and address security and safety measures. This process, including any necessary demolition, relocation, or reconstruction, will be completed within four weeks from the issuance of the working permission.

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Significance of approval

This approval marks the second major development after the Union government permitted the use of 20 acres of defence land for ₹133 crore adjacent to the IAF station for the construction of the terminal. The civil enclave, sanctioned under the RCS-UDAN 3.0 scheme, will utilize the IAF airstrip for flight operations.
The project, approved in December 2018, faced delays due to land-related issues near the strategically important IAF base housing Rafale aircraft. However, with the recent approvals, the project is set to move forward, enhancing connectivity in the region.

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