Plan to Develop Nagarjuna Sagar as a Water Aerodrome in the Works

The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, VK Singh, has announced that Nagarjuna Sagar will be developed as a water aerodrome under the UDAN scheme. A provision of Rs 20 crore has been made for the development of the water aerodrome and seaplane operations. The Airports Authority of India has awarded 66 UDAN routes in Telangana so far, with 42 routes already operationalised. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also released a policy to promote helicopter operations across the country, which includes various aspects such as concessional ground handling charges, parking deposits, landing charges, service charges, credit facility with ATC, and training for Air Traffic Control. The policy aims to stimulate air traffic and enhance air connectivity through helicopters by facilitating helicopter operations across the country. Adilabad, Aleru, and Kagazpur airports/airstrips are available in the tentative list of unserved airports in the UDAN Scheme document, while Jakranpally (Nizamabad), Palvancha, Mehbubnagar, Mamnoor (Warangal), and Basantnagar (Peddapalli) airstrips are not listed in the tentative list but may be included at the request of the Telangana government. However, the Minister did not provide a direct reply to a question on whether the Government of Telangana has allocated 950 acres of land for Warangal airport to be revived under the UDAN scheme.