New Delhi, Apr 9 (TNT): The proposed airport in Warangal is progressing and its foundation stone is likely to be laid within the next three months, while the proposed airport in Adilabad will be developed by the Defence Ministry, according to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
Addressing a press conference along with Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on Wednesday, Ram Mohan Naidu said a crucial meeting was held regarding the Adilabad airport proposal and noted that Telangana currently has only one operational airport in **Hyderabad**, while people in other regions have long aspired for improved air connectivity.
He said the Centre is working to establish airports in feasible locations in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of expanding aviation infrastructure across the country.
On the Adilabad airport project, the Civil Aviation Minister said the Centre has identified 360 acres of Defence land for the proposed airport, while an additional 450 acres will be required for the project.
He said the State Government has been asked to undertake land acquisition and has responded positively.
Ram Mohan Naidu stated that while the airport was initially planned under the Airports Authority of India, it has now been decided that the Defence Ministry will construct the airport due to the strategic importance of the location and its significance for Air Force training activities.
He said a separate civil terminal for public flight operations will be developed by the Airports Authority of India alongside the defence infrastructure.
The Union Minister informed that officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Defence Ministry and State Government will conduct an Obstacle Limitation Survey (OLS) on April 17, following which a decision will be taken on runway orientation.
Once the field visit is completed and the master plan is approved, the project foundation will be scheduled, he said.
Describing Adilabad as an ideal location, Ram Mohan Naidu said the region has strong future demand potential and could emerge as a commercial hub.
He further said the Centre has received a proposal from the Telangana Government for an airport site in Peddapalli, which has received a favourable feasibility report, while the site proposed for Kothagudem has been found unfeasible and the State Government has been informed accordingly.
Meanwhile, Kishan Reddy said the Centre has taken major decisions on the proposed airports in Warangal and Adilabad in Telangana.
He said discussions were held with Defence Minister **Rajnath Singh** and Ram Mohan Naidu regarding the Adilabad airport proposal, noting that there has long been a demand for establishing a new airport in the district where a defence airstrip already exists.
TNT KS
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