The Telangana government has sanctioned ₹205 crore to facilitate the acquisition of over 280 acres of land for the development of Mamnoor Airport in Warangal. This decision follows the issuance of a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) by GMR Group, which manages Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). The move clears a critical hurdle for the long-pending project aimed at improving regional connectivity.
Airport development plan gains momentum
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had communicated its readiness in July 2022 to develop Mamnoor Airport for operations of A-320 type aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). As per the proposal, AAI will bear the costs of infrastructure, operations, and maintenance for the upgraded airport.
To enable this development, AAI requested the Telangana government to provide an additional 253 acres of land free of cost and free from any legal encumbrances. A master plan for the project has already been prepared, laying out the requirements for runway expansion and other infrastructure upgrades.
The Telangana government has directed the Warangal District Collector to expedite the land acquisition process and ensure the handover to AAI at the earliest.
Overcoming regulatory challenges
An essential step for the project was obtaining the NOC from Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, managed by GMR Group. Under the concession agreement between the GMR Group and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, no new airport is allowed to be developed, upgraded, or improved within an aerial distance of 150 kilometres from RGIA until the 25th anniversary of its inauguration.
Mamnoor Airport, located approximately 175 kilometres by road from Hyderabad, met the distance criteria, enabling the project to move forward. The Telangana government’s recent order ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, clearing the way for the next phase of development.
Government’s sanction and execution strategy
The Telangana government issued a Government Order (GO) on Sunday, permitting the Warangal District Collector to acquire 280.30 acres of land for the airport development. The state has allocated ₹205 crore specifically for land acquisition.
The GO also directed the District Collector to secure the additional 253 acres required for expanding the runway and other critical infrastructure. This additional land will be handed over to AAI for the smooth execution of the project.
“Government hereby permits the District Collector of Warangal to acquire the land and sanction ₹205 crore for the purpose. The land acquisition proceedings must be concluded promptly to ensure timely progress,” the order stated.
Boosting regional connectivity
The revival and expansion of Mamnoor Airport are expected to significantly improve connectivity for Warangal, a major cultural and economic hub in Telangana. Once operational, the upgraded airport will accommodate A-320 aircraft, facilitating regional and domestic flights.
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The airport’s development aligns with Telangana’s broader goal of enhancing infrastructure in tier-2 cities to promote economic growth and decentralise air traffic from Hyderabad.
Challenges and next steps
While the financial and regulatory aspects are now in place, the project faces logistical challenges in land acquisition and timely execution. With the directive to expedite land handover to AAI, the Warangal District Collector must navigate potential issues, including encumbrances or disputes over land ownership.
The state government has expressed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and swift process, with an emphasis on adhering to AAI’s requirements for a seamless transition to the construction phase.
A strategic win for telangana
The development of Mamnoor Airport marks a significant milestone in Telangana’s infrastructure expansion plans. Beyond improving regional connectivity, it is expected to boost trade, tourism, and industrial growth in Warangal and surrounding areas.
With GMR’s approval, the financial backing of ₹205 crore, and the state’s commitment to facilitating land acquisition, the long-awaited Mamnoor Airport project is poised to take off, symbolising a step forward in Telangana’s development journey.
