Telangana Needs Better Air Connectivity: Kishan Reddy
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G. Kishan Reddy, spoke at a press conference along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu. He mentioned that the central government had sent multiple letters to the Telangana government regarding the need for a new airport.
Kishan Reddy pointed out that despite having many historical temples, Telangana lacks proper recognition. He recalled that during the selection process for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Telangana initially lost because of insufficient air connectivity. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to various countries to support Ramappa Temple. Thanks to his efforts, the temple was eventually granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
The minister emphasized that a UNESCO tag attracts thousands of tourists, making air connectivity crucial. He stated that PM Modi even provided written assurance to UNESCO about improving transport facilities, including an airport. Now, the central government is fulfilling that promise.
Kishan Reddy urged the Telangana government to speed up the land acquisition process and hand over the land to the Airports Authority of India for construction. He noted that neighboring Andhra Pradesh already has seven airports, and Telangana has long demanded a second airport after Hyderabad.
He confirmed that a new “brownfield airport” would be built in Warangal. He also acknowledged past efforts by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, who had discussed the project with then Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The central government had already promised its support, and now action is being taken to move the project forward.
