Centre rules out Kothagudem, Mahabubnagar sites for new airports
Telangana: The Centre has ruled that at least two of the four greenfield airport sites proposed by the Telangana government are technically unfeasible. The Union civil aviation ministry conveyed this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday to a question raised by BRS MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra.
Two sites declared unfeasible in initial studies
The state had submitted pre-feasibility study proposals for new greenfield airports at Peddapalli, Kothagudem, Mahabubnagar and Jakranpally (Nizamabad).
Studies have been completed for all locations except Antargaon (Peddapalli).
According to the ministry, the proposed sites in Kothagudem and Mahabubnagar are not feasible for airport development.
The Jakranpally site is technically feasible but requires the removal of several man-made obstacles and a no-objection certificate from the defence ministry.
Funding delays lie with the state, says Centre
Under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, the responsibility for project funding, land acquisition, rehabilitation, and environmental clearances lies entirely with the project proponent in this case, the state government.
The ministry noted that project timelines depend on how quickly these requirements are fulfilled.
State must hand over land for Warangal airport revival
The Centre also stated that the revival and expansion of Warangal airport can move forward only after the Telangana government hands over 253 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India.
Responding to a question by MP Anil Kumar Yadav in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said Warangal airport remains under AAI ownership, but additional land is essential to make it operational.
