The Telangana government has approved Rs 205 crore for acquiring over 280 acres of land to facilitate the development of Mamnoor Airport in Warangal. This decision follows the issuance of a “No Objection Certificate” (NoC) from GMR Group, which manages Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). The NoC clears the path for operationalizing Mamnoor Airport.
In July 2022, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) expressed its readiness to develop Mamnoor Airport to accommodate A-320 type aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. AAI committed to bearing the cost of infrastructure, operations, and maintenance for the airport.
However, additional land acquisition of 253 acres, free of cost and encumbrances, is required from the state.
To expedite the process, Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy engaged in multiple discussions with GMR officials, securing their approval. The concession agreement between GMR Group and the Ministry of Civil Aviation prohibits the development or upgrading of airports within 150 km of RGIA until its 25th anniversary.
However, Mamnoor Airport, located 175 km from RGIA, does not violate this clause.
The Telangana government has instructed the Warangal District Collector to proceed with acquiring 280.30 acres of land and has also approved funds for this purpose. The Collector has been directed to secure an additional 253 acres and transfer it to AAI for runway expansion.
“Government hereby permits the District Collector Warangal to acquire the land, admiring an extent of Ac 280.30 gts for development of Mamnoor airport and also sanction Rs 250 crore for land acquisition purpose and is directed to conclude land acquisition proceedings at the earliest,” the order said.
AAI is expected to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to advance the project. Once operational, the Mamnoor Airport will enhance connectivity and boost economic development in the Warangal region.