State transfers Mamnoor site to AAI; tender issued for terminal and technical blocks
The State government of Telangana has completed the land acquisition for the Mamnoor airport near Warangal and handed over the property to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said, signalling a major step towards realising a long-standing demand for air connectivity in the region.
According to the Chief Minister's post on social media, the State spent ₹295 crore to acquire the land required for the project. The AAI subsequently published a tender, valued at ₹213.59 crore, on 14 September for construction of a new domestic terminal building, an air traffic control (ATC) tower-cum-technical block, a fire station, an electrical & mechanical (E&M) workshop and associated works. Bid opening is scheduled for 9 November.
Mr. Reddy described the land transfer and tendering activity as a significant advance in providing Warangal with scheduled air services and broader economic benefits. The State has set an ambitious deadline to complete the airport by 2 June, 2028.
Planned facilities and broader ambitions
The tender and the Chief Minister's statements indicate the initial scope will cover passenger handling, airside control and essential technical support. The State leadership has also advocated for additional, higher-end facilities at Mamnoor, including air cargo handling, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities and hangars to attract maintenance business and strengthen regional aviation infrastructure.
- Land acquisition: ₹295 crore (completed, land handed to AAI)
- AAI tender value: ₹213.59 crore (tender published 14 September; bids open 9 November)
- Target completion: 2 June, 2028
- Planned components: domestic terminal, ATC tower-cum-technical block, fire station, E&M workshop
The Chief Minister has also suggested that the airport's design should reflect the Kakatiya heritage, signalling an intent to connect the facility's image to Warangal's cultural identity and tourism potential. He invited public suggestions for a name for the new airport.
Economic and regional impact
Officials and proponents say an operational airport at Mamnoor would provide a new gateway for industry, tourism, education and investment in and around Warangal. The project is expected to improve connectivity for the nearby Kakatiya Mega Textile Park and other manufacturing and service-sector facilities that have been promoted as part of the district's growth strategy.
The state-level push comes after a decade in which the previous administration did not complete the project. Mr. Reddy criticised that earlier inaction, saying the earlier government had not delivered on the airport despite being in power for 10 years.
Project timeline and procurement details
With the land now transferred to the AAI and a procurement process under way, the next key milestone will be the receipt and evaluation of bids on 9 November. The AAI's tender covers construction and ancillary works; detailed technical and financial specifications will determine the pace of execution. Local stakeholders will be watching for contractor selection and mobilisation dates.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land acquisition cost | ₹295 crore |
| AAI tender value | ₹213.59 crore |
| Tender published | 14 September |
| Bids to be opened | 9 November |
| Target completion | 2 June, 2028 |
Questions for local stakeholders
Residents, local businesses and tourism operators have an immediate interest in timelines, air service routes and employment opportunities linked to the airport. Key questions that will need answers in coming months include:
- Which airlines will be invited to operate initially and on what routes?
- Will the AAI or state incentives be used to attract early carriers and cargo operators?
- How will interim connectivity be managed during phased construction?
As procurement proceeds, the AAI and state agencies are expected to provide more detailed schedules and project reports. For now, the completion of land acquisition and the issue of a major construction tender represent concrete progress on a project that has been on Warangal's development agenda for many years.
City: Warangal
