Karnal: The Haryana government has unveiled an ambitious development roadmap for Karnal district in its 2026–27 Budget, with Chief Minister and Finance Minister Nayab Singh Saini outlining plans for a new greenfield airport and a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening regional growth.
Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Saini announced that a 600-acre site has been earmarked for the proposed airport in Karnal. The government expects to secure the necessary clearances during the upcoming financial year, paving the way for construction to begin. The project is being positioned as a catalyst for economic expansion, with the potential to attract investment, generate jobs and improve trade and travel connectivity.
Local representatives welcomed the move, describing it as a transformative step for the district’s future. They said enhanced air connectivity would help integrate Karnal more closely with major economic hubs and support industrial development.
The airport proposal follows earlier efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the area. Karnal already houses one of the region’s oldest civil aviation clubs, spread across approximately 171 acres. Plans are in place to extend its runway from 3,000 feet to 5,000 feet, enabling the operation of small and mid-sized aircraft. The renewed focus in the Budget suggests that the long-standing demand for broader air services may now gain momentum.
Beyond aviation, the state’s financial plan outlines substantial investments in road networks, public transport and energy infrastructure across the district. The Chief Minister also highlighted progress on key regional connectivity projects backed by the Centre. The 136-kilometre Delhi–Karnal Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) corridor has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹33,051 crore, while the 93-kilometre Delhi–Bawal corridor is projected to cost ₹32,327 crore. Both routes are part of the Namo Bharat RRTS initiative, designed to provide high-speed, reliable transit links between major urban centres.
In addition, the Budget proposes setting up a fish processing unit in Karnal with an estimated outlay of ₹50 crore, aimed at supporting the local fisheries sector and creating employment opportunities.
With aviation, rail, road and industrial projects outlined together, the latest Budget signals a concerted push to position Karnal as a key growth node in Haryana’s development strategy.
