Telangana needs more airports, says aviation expert
Hyderabad: For the last 10 years, Telangana’s aviation sector has remained largely underdeveloped, due to the previous BRS government's inability to harness the state's full potential. Despite having strategic locations like Nizamabad, Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Peddapalli, the government has failed to tap into major developments and expand the state's air connectivity.
While Telangana has just one operational airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, for the entire state, neighbouring Andhra Pradesh boasts of over six operational and one under-construction airports.
As Telangana has emerged as a paragon of growth and development, transforming into one of India's most progressive states, it can progress into a key aviation hub of the country. It also hosts several aviation-related industries.
An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the airport at Begumpet and existing airstrips at Warangal, and Ramagundam present a tremendous opportunity for the development. “Revitalising these airports could not only decentralise air traffic but also spur economic growth, improve accessibility, and enhance overall connectivity within the region.”
“The first step in airspace development is the strategic utilisation of the existing runways. People from northern and eastern regions in Telangana are left with no choice but to travel to Hyderabad and then travel to their destination, increasing the pressure on RGIA,” the official said.
Currently unserviceable, the existing airstrips possess the foundational infrastructure necessary for conversion into fully functional airports. The Ramagundam airstrip, which in 2008 was contemplated to be developed into an airport but was scrapped, holds great scope to develop aviation in northern Telangana, and can facilitate passenger and cargo flights from the region.
Once a bustling hub, the Begumpet airport does not cater commercial flights and serves very limited operations, primarily for training and chartered flights due to an MoU between the central government and the GMR Group, which operates the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad.
The MoU has prevented the development of Warangal’s Mamnoor airstrip: It stipulates that no airport shall operate within a 150-kilometre radius of the RGIA, and Warangal’s airstrip falls in the circle.
The government can, however, actively work towards the development of new airports. Districts like Bhadradri Kothagudem, Peddapalli, and Adilabad show great potential for development of new airports.
But, most importantly, the projects will lead to enormous job creation avenues. Airport operations require a wide range of skills, from ground staff to pilots. Training programmes can equip the local workforce, reducing unemployment and fostering skill development.