Adilabad to get major Air Force training hub
ADILABAD: Adilabad is set to emerge as a major Indian Air Force (IAF) training hub, alongside the proposed civil airport planned near the town. While the project was initially conceived as a joint airfield with a civil airport and an Air Force runway, the IAF has now decided to develop it into one of the country’s key aviation training bases.
The proposed facility will host large-scale flying training operations and is expected to become a strategic military aviation centre. The expansion plan includes training infrastructure, fighter aircraft facilities, residential quarters and defence logistics installations.
Runways, hangars and defence infrastructure planned
The proposed establishment will include dedicated runways for training and military aircraft, large hangars for aircraft parking and maintenance, aprons and taxiways, training buildings, administrative blocks and storage facilities for defence equipment.
As the centre is expected to accommodate a sizeable Air Force workforce, hundreds of residential units are also planned for personnel and their families. The project is expected to transform the area into one of the country’s significant Air Force training locations.
Location seen as strategically important
According to officials, Adilabad occupies a strategically significant position from a defence perspective. Located between northern and southern India and away from vulnerable coastal regions, the district is surrounded by forested terrain, making it suitable for aviation training activities.
The Air Force is understood to have proposed establishing a full-fledged flying training establishment in Adilabad. The facility is expected to differ substantially from the existing Air Force training centres at Dundigal and Hakimpet.
Defence Ministry seeks additional 1,000 acres
The Defence Ministry has reportedly sought an additional 1,000 acres for the expanded project. The state government has informed the Centre that land acquisition can proceed only if compensation costs are borne by the Union government. A final decision is expected soon.
The site currently includes about 363.45 acres under Air Force control. The state government has already acquired nearly 400 additional acres for the proposed joint airport project.
From dormant airstrip to major aviation hub
An Air Force airstrip existed near Adilabad in the past, though its operations largely ceased over time. Land associated with the former Nizam-era airstrip remains under Air Force control.
As part of efforts to improve aviation infrastructure in north Telangana, the state government proposed a civil airport at the site. The Air Force agreed to a joint-use airport model, combining civil aviation operations with military training facilities.
The original proposal envisaged a 9,000-foot runway capable of handling large aircraft, including Airbus A380-category planes. However, the latest Defence Ministry proposal significantly expands the scope of the project.
Township and advanced facilities proposed
The expanded training centre is expected to include facilities for fighter aircraft operations, pilot training institutions, control rooms, aircraft maintenance infrastructure and defence logistics facilities.
Large hangars for fighter jets and helicopters, advanced equipment storage centres, multiple taxiways and extensive apron facilities are also planned. A dedicated township for defence personnel is proposed as part of the project.
Officials are also exploring the possibility of utilising land belonging to the defunct Cement Corporation of India to reduce compensation costs. Land near Nishani Ghat and two nearby villages is being considered as an alternative option.
The Defence Ministry is yet to approve the project’s final master plan. Construction is expected to begin after approval, with plans to complete the project within three years of the foundation stone being laid.
