Telangana’s Warangal Airport Set for Development
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to build a new airport at Mamnoor in Warangal, following the Union government’s recent clearance. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the decision on March 2, revealing that the AAI is poised to begin work once the Telangana government completes the land acquisition process. The project, which has been long-awaited by locals, is expected to improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the area.
The proposed airport in Warangal is part of the central government’s push to bolster infrastructure in smaller cities, particularly those outside metropolitan hubs. Warangal will become the third airport in Telangana, joining Shamshabad and Begumpet airports. The new facility is set to handle aircraft as large as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, enhancing both passenger and cargo connectivity. The airport is projected to cost around ₹500 crore, covering everything from the runway and terminal building to additional essential facilities. Minister Naidu estimated that construction would take approximately two-and-a-half years after work commences.The airport’s terminal is expected to reflect the cultural heritage of Warangal, which has long been a hub for textile and tourism industries. With this in mind, Naidu anticipates that the new airport will open new doors for the region, particularly by fostering growth in the textile sector, spurring tourism, and attracting business investments.
“Warangal is a historic city, and the airport will play a key role in making it a competitive player among major cities across India,” said Naidu, highlighting the area’s rich history as a centre for business and culture. The Mamnoor airport has a historical significance, as it was once the largest airport in the region before it fell into disuse after 1981. The original airport was largely abandoned as focus shifted to Hyderabad, the state capital. However, the decision to revive Mamnoor as a regional hub comes at a time when Telangana is striving to improve infrastructure to support its growing economy.The land acquisition process is currently underway, with Telangana’s government allocating ₹205 crore for the acquisition of 280.30 acres. Of the total, 696 acres are already in possession of the AAI.
The project faced some delays earlier due to issues in obtaining a no-objection certificate from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), which is operating the Shamshabad airport within a 150-kilometre radius of Mamnoor. However, with the new government’s cooperation and GHIAL’s clearance, the project is now on track.Local residents and businesses have long advocated for an airport in Warangal, and the approval for the new facility is seen as the fulfilment of a decades-old demand. Warangal’s location makes it an important link for regional connectivity in the state, and the airport is expected to address the growing need for travel infrastructure in this part of Telangana.
While the airport’s development is expected to bring numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. The region will need to ensure that infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sewage systems can support the increased traffic and population that the airport is expected to generate. Additionally, environmental concerns and the potential impact of urban expansion on nearby agricultural land will need careful consideration.
As the Telangana government moves ahead with its ambitious plans to revitalise regional infrastructure, Warangal’s new airport is poised to become a crucial asset in the state’s overall development strategy. It is hoped that this project will not only make Warangal a key economic hub but will also set a precedent for future airport developments in smaller cities across India.