Donakonda Airstrip Set for Revival as Airport
Officials are evaluating the pros and cons of making the aviation facility available for public use and utilizing it either for passenger transportation or as a training centre
Kurnool: The Donakonda airstrip in Prakasam district, used during World War II, is now in the process of being developed into an aviation facility for public use.
Officials conducted a survey in 2017-18, but the proposals were kept in cold storage. Recently, local alliance leaders won an assurance from the Union aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu of the Telugu Desam that the airstrip would be developed.
The British built the airport at Donakonda in 1934 to meet aviation needs for fighter aricraft during the Second World War. Strategically located between Hyderabad and Chennai, the terminal, its runway, and the maintenance buildings exist on a 136.35 acre space. During the War, this was used to refuel airplanes as also to transport weapons, equipment and soldiers.
Records show that military and passenger flights operated there until 1985, after which the facilities were in disuse. Over time, some lands were grabbed by gangs and the buildings became dilapidated.
Efforts to develop the Donakonda region began after the Telugu Desam came to power in 2014. The aim was to renovate the airport and establish an IT corridor and MSME parks. In 2017-18, the Aeronautical Survey conducted a survey and reported their findings.
The assistant general manager of Gannavaram airport and other officials also assessed the site and sent a report to the central government. They stated that an additional 310 acres should be acquired and a 1,575-meter-long runway must be constructed. Soon, a change of government took place.
With the new alliance government taking charge of AP and Telugu Desam MP Rammohan Naidu became the Union Aviation Minister, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has refocused the attention on Donakonda airport. He asked the Gannavaram authorities to renovate the Donakonda airport, suggesting that it could be used for passenger transportation or as an aviation training centre. The district administration responded to the call.
The Donakonda tahsildar, Kanigiri RDO, and Prakasam district collector inspected the surrounding lands. They are now preparing a report on the pros and cons of renovating the airport.
An airport official said the local RDO and other authorities have begun collecting basic information on the Donakonda airstrip. The Gannavaram airport has deployed an employee in Donakonda to oversee matters related to the dilapidated airstrip.