Telangana govt approved the release of ₹1,06,20,000, representing the remaining 20% of the consultancy fee payable to AAI.
Published Dec 30, 2025 | 12:51 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2025 | 12:51 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Telangana government has released the final consultancy fee to AAI for techno-feasibility studies of six proposed airports, marking a key step in boosting regional air connectivity. The projects include three greenfield airports at Adilabad, Basanth Nagar, and Palvancha, and three brownfield upgrades at Jakranpally, Mamnoor, and Mahbubnagar, aimed at expanding aviation infrastructure beyond Hyderabad’s RGIA.
In a move aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure and improving regional air connectivity, the Telangana government has sanctioned the final instalment of consultancy fees to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for conducting techno-feasibility studies for six proposed airports across the state.
At present, apart from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad—an international-standard facility—Telangana does not have any operational airport serving other regions.
The issuance of G.O. Rt. No. 600 by the Transport, Roads and Buildings (Airports) Department on 29 December, 2025, marks the culmination of a multi-year process initiated to assess the viability of three greenfield and three brownfield airports.
Under the administrative sanction, government approved the release of ₹1,06,20,000, representing the remaining 20 percent of the consultancy charges payable to AAI. With this payment, the total consultancy fee comes to approximately ₹5.31 crore, including 18 percent GST on the base consultancy amount of ₹4.50 crore.
The AAI Chairman had agreed in July 2018 to undertake the techno-feasibility studies, with payments structured in phases. The first instalment of 20 percent (₹1,06,20,000) was sanctioned in May 2019 at the commencement of the study.
This was followed by the release of 60 percent (₹3,18,60,000) in March 2021, comprising 45 percent for greenfield airports and 15 percent for brownfield airports, after submission of the draft Techno-Economic Feasibility Reports (TEFRs) for all six locations.
The release of the final instalment was triggered after AAI’s Executive Director (Land Management) confirmed in October 2022 that the final TEFRs had been submitted, making the balance payment due.
The proposed airports include a mix of new developments and upgrades to existing airstrips.
Adilabad: A greenfield airport that has seen tangible progress, including recent government orders for the acquisition of about 700 acres of land. AAI’s feasibility report has confirmed the project’s viability, subject to clearance from the Indian Air Force for joint-user operations.
Basanth Nagar (Peddapalli): Another greenfield project, for which the government sanctioned pre-feasibility funds in October 2025, clearing decks for detailed planning.
Jakranpally (Nizamabad): A brownfield project identified as technically feasible in earlier AAI assessments, aimed at upgrading and reviving the existing airstrip.
Mamnoor (Warangal): A brownfield airport that received Centre’s approval in February 2025, with relaxations granted to facilitate the operation of larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
Mahbubnagar: Also a brownfield project, envisaged to enhance regional air connectivity in southern Telangana.
Palvancha (Bhadradri Kothagudem district, near Khammam): A greenfield airport proposal intended to cater to the eastern industrial corridor of the state.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
