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Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, set to be the largest in India by area, is expected to begin operations soon. With a budget of approximately Rs 10 billion and covering 7,200 acres, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that all formalities have been completed, and the airport is ready for takeoff. The airport's opening is anticipated to be marked by a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This development brings hope that Hisar will soon be connected to more destinations across India. The project, however, has been embroiled in political controversy, with the Opposition criticizing the BJP government for missing the opportunity to develop a second airport in the NCR, as the Centre chose Jewar in Uttar Pradesh instead. The Haryana Government plans to develop the Hisar airport in three phases. The first phase was completed in August 2018, when Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the Integrated Aviation Hub. Air taxi services briefly began in January 2021 but ceased due to financial issues. As part of its ambitious growth plans, the Hisar airport is being developed within the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and is expected to serve as a key driver of economic growth in the region. Recently, an MoU was signed between the Haryana Airport Development Corporation (HADC) and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to develop a 2,988-acre aviation hub at the airport, backed by an estimated Rs 105.3 million grant. This development includes plans for an integrated manufacturing cluster, a Worldport cargo logistics hub, MRO facilities, and an entertainment village. Alliance Air has been contracted to operate flights from Hisar, initially connecting five cities—Ayodhya, Jammu, Jaipur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad—using 70-seater aircraft. If demand is low, these may be scaled back to 40-seater flights. The second phase of construction is nearing completion, with the runway now equipped with CAT-II lighting at a cost of Rs 161.8 million. However, installation of the landing instrument system (LIS), a prerequisite for night landings, is still pending. Once the LIS is in place, the airport will be approved for night-time operations. Originally developed on 300 acres of land starting in 2014, the Hisar airport now spans 7,200 acres. By 2030, a new terminal will be completed, capable of handling 2.1 million passengers annually, with expansion to accommodate 3.6 million passengers. Additionally, a Rs 5 billion terminal is under construction, and the airport is being developed to international standards. The facility will also feature a defence and aerospace-focused integrated marketing cluster, with plans for a World Port and Mega Cargo Port to attract global companies. (Tribune India)