Warangal Airport revival possible only due to Centre's efforts: BJP

metro india news I hyderabad

BJP Telangana State President N. Ramchander Rao asserted that the revival of Mamnoor Airport in Warangal has become possible solely due to the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sustained efforts of the Central Government.

Addressing media in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Ramchander Rao said Mamnoor Airport, one of India's oldest airfields established before Independence, had remained non operational for decades despite its historical significance. He noted that the biggest hurdle to its revival was the 150 kilometre exclusivity clause under the Hyderabad International Airport Concession Agreement. He said the Modi Government secured a one time waiver through a No Objection Certificate, paving the way for the airport's development and operationalisation.

Highlighting the Centre's focus on aviation infrastructure, he said the UDAN scheme has transformed regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and extending services to smaller cities. He recalled that former Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had written to the Telangana Chief Minister in 2021 seeking speedy resolution of issues related to aviation infrastructure, with Warangal Airport identified as a priority project.

Drawing a parallel with the Centre's direct allocation of the Tadicherla II Coal Block to SCCL, Ramchander Rao said the Narendra Modi Government has consistently taken decisions benefiting Telangana. He also alleged that while the UPA Government had announced plans to develop Warangal Airport, it failed to resolve pending issues or make the project operational.

Questioning the Congress for claiming credit, he urged the State Government to expedite land acquisition and cooperate with the Centre to ensure early completion of the airport project. He reiterated that the Central Government remains fully committed to Telangana's development and said the revival of Warangal Airport is another example of that commitment.