New Survey Rekindles Hopes for North Telangana Airport

A new land survey in Anthargaon mandal has given a fresh boost to the long-standing dream of an airport in the North Telangana. Almost a month after Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu ruled out Basantnagar as a viable option, they have surveyed 600 acres and submitted proposals, a move locals hope will reignite interest.

Challenges at Basantnagar

The demand for regional airports has been around for some time, and Basantnagar ticked most of the boxes. But in response to an inquiry from Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamshikrishna, Minister Naidu said that limited airspace in the vicinity and high surrounding hills presented formidable challenges. The Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) also found the site unfit, citing poor infrastructure and aviation safety concerns.

New Hopes at Anthargaon

Though disappointing, local leaders are digging in: They intend to search for another spot. District Collector Koya Sree Harsha said that about 600 acres in Anthargaon have been surveyed and the proposal sent to the government. Civil aviation authorities are likely to examine the site in the vicinity soon.

There has been a call for wind rose diagrams by weather experts to provide this information which helps in the safe and efficient operations of aircraft. Ensure the best runway orientation based on prevailing wind alignments.

A Blast From The Past: Mini Airport in Basantnagar

Kesoram Cement Factory had developed a mini airstrip in Basantnagar for Vayudoot planes. The airstrip then became a non-functional one after the Vayudoot services were withdrawn. The 2017 UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme renewed interest in the airport and feasibility studies were carried out in 2019 and 2020. The results were indeed as expected confirming the site should not be used and the Union government decided against further development at Basantnagar.

Residents believe whenever and wherever the new site in North Telangana is under evaluation, it will have an airport by now.