The expansion project of Warangal Airport in Telangana has gained momentum as the government establishes a joint inspection team to expedite the survey process. This crucial step aims to enhance the Brownfield Warangal (Mamnoor) airport and improve air connectivity for the residents of Warangal and nearby regions. The development of the airport is expected to drive economic growth, attract investments, and boost tourism.
During the pre-independence era, Mamnoor airport boasted multiple terminals and was the largest facility of its kind. However, it has since become defunct. Nevertheless, Warangal has been included in the list of proposed airstrips under UDAN, a program that focuses on regional airport connectivity.
To facilitate the airport’s development, the state government has allocated Rs 100 crore. The villages of Nakkalapalli, Gadepalli, and Mamnoor in Khila Warangal Mandal have been identified as suitable locations for the airport expansion, encompassing the required acreage.
To accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, the current runway needs to be extended from 1.8 km to 3.9 km. In light of this, a joint inspection team comprising representatives from the revenue department, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Survey and Land Records Department will create a geo-coordinate-based plan for the necessary 271 acres of land. The team has been given one week to complete the survey.
“The state government is fully committed to revitalizing the Warangal airport and will extend all necessary support to the AAI,” affirmed District Collector P Pravinya, as reported by Telangana Today.
The primary objective of the survey is to accurately identify the additional land required for the airport expansion. Once the survey is concluded, the district administration will commence the land acquisition process from the farmers.
The state government has recognized Mamnoor as a potential airport due to its proximity to a popular tourist destination. Under the UDAN scheme, 950 acres of land have been allocated to the AAI for this purpose.
As compensation to affected farmers, the collector proposed that the government transfer 373.02 acres of land presently managed by P V Narasimha Rao Veterinary University, near Mamnoor village, to the relevant tahsildar. In return, the farmers’ landholdings could be purchased and transferred to the AAI.
Reviving the Warangal airport is crucial for the region’s development, particularly with the construction of the nearby Mega Textile Park. The airport’s enhancements will significantly improve air connectivity for the residents of Warangal and surrounding areas, fostering economic growth, attracting investments, and promoting tourism.
Since 2018, the state government has been actively involved in restoring the Warangal airport. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Minister K T Rama Rao, and other public officials have held multiple meetings with the Union Minister of Civil Aviation to revive the Mamnoor airport, which ceased operations in 1981.
The airport was originally constructed in 1930 by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, to facilitate the Sirpur Kaghaznagar enterprises and the Azam Zahi mills in Warangal. During the India-China war, Mamnoor airport served as a hangar for government aircraft, as Delhi Airport was a prime target. It facilitated numerous freight flights and Vayudooth services.
The expansion of Warangal Airport holds great promise for the region, and its successful rejuvenation will bring about a positive transformation, benefiting various sectors and contributing to overall progress.
