By Priyanka Pasupuleti: New Delhi/Hyderabad:
In a significant push toward strengthening regional air connectivity in Telangana, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that the Centre is actively advancing the revival of Warangal Airport while also considering a new airport facility in Adilabad under the UDAN scheme.
Responding during the Question Hour, the Minister outlined the government’s broader vision to expand aviation infrastructure beyond metropolitan hubs and bring tier-2 and tier-3 regions into the national air network.
Warangal Airport Gains Momentum
The long-pending Warangal Airport project, located at Mamnoor, is now moving forward with coordinated efforts between the Central government and the Telangana state administration. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is overseeing the technical development, while most of the required land has already been secured.
Officials indicated that the revived airport will be capable of handling narrow-body aircraft and is expected to significantly improve connectivity for North and Central Telangana. Apart from passenger travel, the project is also seen as a catalyst for industrial growth, logistics expansion, and tourism development in the region.
The Minister emphasized that Warangal’s strategic importance, both economically and culturally, makes it a priority project under the Centre’s regional connectivity initiatives.
Adilabad Airport Proposal Under Consideration
In addition to Warangal, the Centre has identified Adilabad as a potential location for developing a new airport or upgrading an existing airstrip under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
The proposal aims to improve connectivity in tribal and remote areas, ensuring better access to major cities like Hyderabad and nearby economic corridors. The Minister clarified that any development in Adilabad would be planned carefully, with necessary feasibility studies and land considerations in place.
Expanding Telangana’s Aviation Footprint
Currently, Telangana relies heavily on Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for air connectivity. The Centre’s plan to develop additional airports is expected to reduce this dependency and create a more balanced aviation network across the state.
The government reiterated that expanding airport infrastructure is not only about connectivity but also about driving regional economic growth, attracting investments, and improving accessibility for underserved regions.
A Step Toward Regional Growth
The announcements made in Parliament signal a clear intent to integrate Telangana’s emerging districts into India’s growing aviation ecosystem. While Warangal is nearing execution stage, Adilabad represents the next phase of expansion, highlighting a long-term roadmap for inclusive infrastructure development.
As India continues to expand its aviation network, Telangana is set to witness a transformation that could redefine connectivity, commerce, and regional development in the years ahead.
