A vision document on Warangal for 2028, commissioned by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) - Telangana, has said that the present air traffic load to and from that centre did not justify an airport there.
Considering the scale and growth anticipated, however, an airport could be planned to start operations in Warangal in seven to ten years. The document outlining a roadmap for economic development of Warangal was released by Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao here on Thursday.
The document listed out sector wise opportunities of development for Warangal, including food processing and mineral-based industries which were suggested for both rural and urban pockets. There were investment opportunities for food processing plants, cold storages and warehousing.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rama Rao asked Principal Industries Secretary Jayesh Ranjan to prepare special incentives for industries wanting to set up units in rural areas. Such vision documents could be prepared for all erstwhile districts. He said the government had decided to make use of an existing air field at Mamnoor in Warangal not for constructing a full fledged airport, but an airstrip. The proposal was being worked out in collaboration with a Korean company.
Mr. Rao lauded the potential of Warangal to generate revenue matching that of Hyderabad which contributed 40 to 45 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product. The chairman of CII - Telangana V. Rajanna said the Hyderabad - Warangal corridor will be busier to the focussed development of Yadadri en route. To his suggestion that Hyderbad and Warangal have highspeed rail connectivity, Mr. Rama Rao responded positively but said it cannot be in the near future.
