AAI Set to Construct Airport in Warangal: Ram Mohan Naidu
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Synopsis
The Airports Authority of India is prepared to initiate airport construction at Mamnoor in Warangal, Telangana, following recent clearance from the Centre. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the plans and emphasized the airport's potential to stimulate local tourism and business opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- AAI ready to build Warangal airport.
- Rs 500 crore investment required.
- Completion expected in two-and-a-half years.
- Terminal to reflect local heritage.
- Boost for tourism and textile industry.
Hyderabad, March 2 (NationPress) The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to construct an airport at Mamnoor in Warangal, Telangana, following a recent clearance from the Centre, as announced by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Sunday.
Naidu noted that the AAI has prepared a master plan for the airport's construction, which will commence once the Telangana government finalizes the land acquisition and transfers the site.
During a press briefing alongside Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, he disclosed that the airport project is expected to be completed within two-and-a-half years from the start of construction.
He mentioned that the project would require a minimum investment of Rs 500 crore, which will cover the runway, terminal building, and other facilities.
Naidu indicated that the terminal's capacity would be determined after conducting a survey, and it would embody the heritage and culture of Warangal.
He expressed optimism that the Mamnoor airport would enable Warangal to compete with major cities across the nation. He also emphasized that the airport would enhance tourism, create business opportunities in the manufacturing sector, and provide a significant boost to the textile industry in Warangal.
The minister highlighted that the clearance for Mamnoor airport addresses a long-standing demand from the local populace. "I regard it as my privilege to facilitate the approval for this project," he remarked.
He pointed out that Mamnoor airport was the most significant airport in the area before independence, with some operational activity until 1981, after which it fell into neglect due to the focus on Hyderabad.
Naidu stated that the AAI already possesses 696 acres of land at Mamnoor, with two runways, one of which, measuring 1,500 meters, is in a state of disrepair. Since narrow-body flights necessitate runways of 2,800 meters, additional land was deemed necessary.
The Centre proposed acquiring an extra 280 acres of land, but the previous state government did not cooperate effectively. With the new Telangana administration issuing an order for this acquisition and obtaining a no-objection certificate from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), the path for Mamnoor airport's approval has been cleared.
The state has set aside Rs 205 crore for securing 280.30 acres for the airport, which will accommodate aircraft such as Airbus 320 and Boeing 737.
Ram Mohan Naidu reiterated his dedication to advancing civil aviation in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
He recalled that eight months ago, upon taking office, his leader N. Chandrababu Naidu instructed him to serve as a minister for both Telugu states.
Regarding the Bhadradri Kothagudem airport, the Civil Aviation Minister stated that the site previously identified by the state was unviable due to hilly terrain and geographical constraints. The state then proposed an alternate location, and the AAI team, after conducting feasibility assessments, requested further data from the Indian Meteorological Department and the state government.
Warangal will become the third airport in Telangana, following the Shamshabad and Begumpet airports. Although there have been appeals to develop airports in other regions, decisions will be made after feasibility studies.
He remarked that certain areas face restrictions due to Indian Air Force activities and Ministry of Defence regulations, necessitating their permissions for airport construction.
Ram Mohan Naidu concluded by stating that the NDA government is committed to developing Hyderabad as an aviation hub and fostering the aerospace manufacturing sector.
He noted that the NDA government prioritizes airport development across the nation, including smaller cities and remote areas, citing an increase from 76 airports in 2014 to 159 today. No other country has experienced such rapid growth, he added.
Kishan Reddy expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Civil Aviation Minister for the green light on the Warangal airport, stating it meets a long-standing request from the local community.
