Telangana airport plans face delays despite government push

The Telangana government aims to begin foundation works for Mamnoor and Adilabad airports by June, but procedural delays may push timelines. Meanwhile, progress on other proposed airports across the State remains slow, with several projects still awaiting approvals and clearances.

Hyderabad: The State government is optimistic about laying the foundation for Mamnoor and Adilabad airports by June. However, delays cannot be ruled out due to pending procedures, including the award of works.

Progress on other proposed airports at Palwancha (Ramavaram) in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jakranpalli in Nizamabad, Devarkadra in Mahabubnagar and Peddapalli remains slow. Most of these projects are still in early stages.

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In February, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi. He informed that land acquisition for Mamnoor airport was complete and urged early commencement of works.

At a public meeting in Adilabad three weeks ago, the Chief Minister reiterated that efforts were on to lay the foundation for the Adilabad airport in June.

Officials, however, indicate that timelines may slip. A senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said that work orders for Mamnoor airport are yet to be issued, and foundation works can begin only after that.

For Mamnoor airport, 253 acres were acquired at Nakkalapalli and Gadepally villages and handed over to AAI on January 29. The acquisition cost was Rs.295 crore. An additional Rs.100 crore is needed for irrigation restructuring, road strengthening and connectivity between Mamnoor and Gunturpally.

The State government has requested the Centre to complete the airport within 24 to 30 months.

Adilabad airport is being planned as a joint-use facility over 700 acres. The Indian Air Force has given in-principle approval for civil operations, and the Defence Ministry has no objection.

The airport is proposed to handle A-321 and B-737 aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules, with a 2,900-metre runway. This would allow both day and night operations and support most domestic airlines.

The master plan requires an additional 415 acres beyond the land currently with the Air Force. Issues such as route diversion, water bodies, high-tension lines and land acquisition were discussed in a February meeting between district officials and AAI.

The District Collector has been asked to submit remarks on the draft master plan. The final plan will be approved after this process.

Status of other airports:

Peddapalli: The District Collector proposed an alternative 591-acre site in Anthargoan mandal. AAI conducted a prefeasibility study in December 2025 and submitted its report on February 16, 2026.

Palwancha (Ramavaram): The earlier proposed site was found unfeasible. The State has asked the District Collector to identify a new location for a greenfield airport in Bhadradri Kothagudem.

Jakranpalli: About 1,612 acres are required, including 809 acres of government land and 802 acres of private land. Land acquisition was estimated at Rs.320 crore as per 2020 figures. Multiple clearances are still pending.

Devarkadra: The site was found unsuitable in AAI’s feasibility study. Hills located 2.5 km to the north pose major obstacles. Clearance from GMR Hyderabad International Airport is also required as the site falls within an 80 km radius.