T'gana govt gives green light for Adilabad airport project

The Telangana government has approved the acquisition of 700 acres of land for the development of a new airport in Adilabad district, signaling a major boost for regional infrastructure. The project will be implemented in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), following feasibility confirmation and government directives to expedite land acquisition.

While officials emphasize the expected positive impact on connectivity, tourism, and local employment, critical voices point to the fate of similar airport projects, using Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh as a cautionary example. Despite significant investments and established infrastructure, Kurnool Airport has seen little utilization and most flight operations remain inactive. The intended regional benefits have not materialized, raising concerns about public funds being spent without adequate returns.

Adilabad, characterized by its agency (tribal and forest) terrain, could face comparable challenges if proper operational planning is not put in place. Experts and local stakeholders urge the district administration to prioritize strategic planning and ensure the airport sees regular flight services and sustainable business activities post-construction.

Alarm bells ring as critics warn that without a comprehensive approach to functionality and economic viability, the Adilabad airport project may fall into the same trap as underutilized airports elsewhere. There is a strong call for the administration to actively engage with airlines, facilitate demand, and design programs that ensure ongoing utility of the proposed infrastructure.

The government has set a timeline to complete land acquisition by December 2025 or early January 2026, but experts insist that simply building the airport will not guarantee regional growth. Commitment to operational excellence and long-term planning must remain at the forefront, lest the new airport become yet another idle investment.

By learning from the missed opportunities of Kurnool, Adilabad has the chance to engineer a truly transformative project if the district administration heeds the lessons and actively works to avoid past mistakes.