WAITING FOR TAKE-OFFS. Mamnoor, in Warangal
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Telangana’s aviation map appears set for a significant expansion, with Bhadradri Kothagudem, Warangal and Adilabad in focus for the State’s push to take air connectivity beyond capital Hyderabad.For a largely land-locked State — with investment, employment and high-value economic activity traditionally concentrated in and around Hyderabad — the airport projects could provide the missing air link in developing stronger regional economic centres.The State government has taken up the regional airports issue with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on several occasions, including during Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s recent visit to the Capital.For the Bhadradri Kothagudem airport proposal, a Central technical team will arrive this month to inspect four or five shortlisted sites.The Bhadradri Kothagudem region is home to the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple, in Bhadrachalam, a major pilgrim destination, apart from its renown as an industrial and natural resources base.In Warangal, the CM sought the Centre’s intervention for the early execution of the airport project at Mamnoor. With land acquisition completed, tenders are being floated, targeting project completion by the end of 2028.Beyond just a regional airport, Mamnoor is being pitched for development according to international standards, with integrated facilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), air cargo and hangar services.The historic town of Warangal is a trading hub for agri-based and other industries, alongside a steadily developing services sector, including the Warangal IT Tower.The proposed airport is expected to support the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, Kazipet Coach Factory and other industrial activity, while serving as an important aviation gateway for northern Telangana.“The proposed airport could, therefore, become part of a wider economic geography in which manufacturing, logistics and services need not necessarily gravitate towards Hyderabad simply because air connectivity is concentrated there,’’ a senior official of the Telangana Industries Department said.At Adilabad, the CM requested the Defence Ministry to develop a civil airport alongside the proposed defence airport, and offered support for land acquisition.Published on September 7, 2026
