Warangal Airport to Take Off Soon: Telangana Approves ₹205 Crore for Land Acquisition

The Telangana government has sanctioned ₹205 crore for acquiring over 280 acres of land to develop Mamnoor Airport in Warangal. This significant step follows a "No Objection Certificate" (NoC) from the GMR Group, which manages Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), clearing the way for Mamnoor Airport’s operationalization.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had earlier expressed its readiness to develop the airport to handle A-320 type aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). AAI has committed to funding the infrastructure, operations, and maintenance of the airport.

Land Acquisition and Clearance

The project requires an additional 253 acres of land, to be provided free of cost and without encumbrances by the state government. Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy held discussions with GMR officials to expedite the NoC, overcoming a concession agreement clause that prohibits new airports within 150 km of RGIA until its 25th anniversary. Mamnoor Airport, located 175 km from RGIA, is exempt from this restriction.

Government Orders and Funding

The Telangana government has instructed the Warangal District Collector to acquire 280.30 acres for the airport and approved ₹205 crore for the process. Additionally, the District Collector has been directed to secure 253 more acres to facilitate runway expansion and hand it over to AAI.

The government order stated:

“Government hereby permits the District Collector, Warangal, to acquire the land, admiring an extent of Ac 280.30 gts for the development of Mamnoor Airport and sanctions ₹205 crore for land acquisition. The Collector is directed to conclude land acquisition proceedings at the earliest.”

Next Steps

AAI is expected to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to move the project forward. Once completed, Mamnoor Airport will enhance regional connectivity, spurring economic growth in Warangal and its surrounding areas.

This development marks a significant milestone in Telangana’s efforts to improve infrastructure and boost economic activity in the state.