Warangal, October 29: In a historic announcement, Backward Class Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar revealed that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s efforts will soon bring Warangal’s long-anticipated airport at Mamnoor to reality. This project, which has been decades in the making, will provide a major infrastructure boost to the region, enhancing connectivity and opening up new economic avenues.
The Mamnoor airfield, originally established in the 1930s under the rule of the Nizam, played a vital role in the region's air services until 1980, when operations were halted due to limited maintenance and development efforts by subsequent administrations. In recent years, land encroachment has further limited the available area of the airfield from its original 1,140 acres to just 693 acres, leaving a critical need for both land recovery and expansion to accommodate modern requirements.
Revival Plans and UDAN Scheme Inclusion
To overcome these challenges, the state government, in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), has formulated a comprehensive plan to revitalize Mamnoor as a functional airport. The AAI conducted multiple surveys of the site and presented a proposal to the Telangana government, requesting a budget allocation of Rs 1,200 crore. The proposal includes an appeal for an additional 300 acres of land to extend the runway from its current 1.8 kilometers to a full 3.9 kilometers, allowing it to handle larger commercial flights.
Significantly, the Central Government’s endorsement of the Mamnoor airport project under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at improving regional air connectivity, marks a pivotal step. Despite progress being delayed temporarily by the 2023 election notifications, the project remains a high priority for both state and central authorities.
Government Commitment and Land Allocation
In a recent review meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Telangana Cabinet granted approval for the allocation of the required land to the AAI, a critical milestone that clears the path for construction and development activities to begin. The Cabinet also directed relevant departments to expedite all necessary actions for the airport’s establishment, underscoring the state’s commitment to completing the project efficiently.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges
A regulatory barrier stands in the form of the current rules that prevent the establishment of new airports within a 150-kilometer radius of Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad until 2038. However, with the Congress government’s support and collaboration from the GMR Group, Mamnoor airport has received a special exemption, allowing development to proceed. This move highlights the importance of the Mamnoor project as a strategic investment for Telangana’s regional development.
Economic and Connectivity Boost for Warangal
The new Mamnoor airport is expected to be transformative for Warangal, both in terms of connectivity and economic growth. The airport will serve as a vital link for businesses, tourism, and residents, facilitating easier travel to and from Warangal and attracting investments across sectors. As Warangal emerges as a major urban center within Telangana, Mamnoor airport will also support the city’s growth, potentially generating jobs, enhancing the region’s real estate, and driving broader economic development.
With construction on the horizon and full governmental backing, Mamnoor airport’s revival stands as a testament to Warangal’s bright future and Telangana’s ongoing commitment to improving regional infrastructure.
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