Telangana’s Bhadradri Greenfield Airport Proposal Hits Roadblock; ₹496.8 Crore Warangal Airport Project Moves Ahead

The proposed Greenfield Airport at Bhadradri Kothagudem has hit a major hurdle after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) concluded that the identified site is unsuitable for airport development. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the site was rejected because of surrounding hills and the presence of a nearby railway line, both of which pose operational and safety challenges.

The AAI had conducted a pre-feasibility study in January 2025 covering the villages of Ramavaram, Chunchupally and Sujatha Nagar. Based on the findings, the authority determined that the location could not support a viable airport project.

The clarification was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in response to questions regarding Telangana’s plans for a new airport in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Although the Telangana government reportedly identified an alternative 667-acre site in Seethampeta and Sujathanagar villages, the Centre said it has not yet received a fresh proposal seeking mandatory site clearance under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008.

While the Bhadradri proposal remains uncertain, progress is being made on another important aviation project in the state. The Centre has granted in-principle approval for the development of Warangal Airport at an estimated project cost of ₹496.8 crore, including GST.

The Airports Authority of India has already invited tenders for key infrastructure works, including the runway, taxiway, apron pavement and boundary wall. The project is expected to improve regional air connectivity once completed, although timelines will depend on land acquisition, statutory approvals, financial closure and site-specific conditions.

Meanwhile, proposals for airports at Adilabad and Peddapalli continue to be evaluated. The AAI has completed a techno-economic feasibility study for a joint-user airfield at Adilabad and submitted a pre-feasibility report for the proposed Greenfield Airport at Peddapalli.

The latest developments reflect Telangana’s broader efforts to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure under the Centre’s UDAN scheme. While the Bhadradri project requires a fresh and technically suitable site, the progress at Warangal signals continued investment in expanding the state’s airport network and improving connectivity for businesses, industries and passengers.