Brownfield Airport at Mamunur, Warangal

The Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has approved the construction of a Brownfield airport at Mamunur, Warangal , allowing the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to begin work.

Historical Background

  • Mamnoor Airport was one of the largest airports in India during British rule. It was inaugurated in 1930 by Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan and operated until 1981 .
  • It was built primarily for serving industries like Kagaznagar Paper Mills and Azam Jahi Mills .
  • It had four runways , which is rare even by today’s standards.
  • The total land area of the airport was around 1,875 acres .

Role During World War II

  • The British used Warangal Airport as a military base for air operations.
  • It played a role in training pilots and supporting the war effort.

Decline Due to Rail and Road Connectivity

  • Despite being a well-equipped airport, Warangal’s proximity to Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport and later Rajiv Gandhi International Airport led to its decline.
  • The growth of road (NH 163) and railway (Kazipet Junction) connections reduced the need for air travel.

Current Status

  • After Shamshabad Airport, Telangana saw no new airports.
  • The Telangana government has proposed reviving the airport under the UDAN scheme , which promotes regional connectivity.
  • In 2020, AAI's feasibility study identified Warangal, Adilabad (Brownfield), and Jakranpally, Nizamabad (Greenfield) as viable sites.
  • Over the years, some of the airport’s land has been used for government offices, institutions, and warehouses .

What is a Greenfield and Brownfield Project?

Greenfield Project Brownfield Project
A Greenfield project refers to a new development built from scratch on unused land where no previous construction exists. A Brownfield project involves redeveloping or upgrading an existing site that was previously developed.
It requires new infrastructure , including roads, utilities, and facilities. It may require modifications, repairs, or modernization of old infrastructure.

Example

  • A new airport built on an empty land where no prior airport existed.
  • The construction of a new expressway in an undeveloped area.

Example

  • Reviving Warangal Airport by upgrading the old infrastructure.
  • Converting an old factory into a modern industrial park.
Greenfield Airports: Noida International Airport (Jewar), Navi Mumbai Airport. Brownfield Airports: Expansion of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports.

Practice Questions for Prelims

1Q. Consider the following statements about the 150 km rule in civil aviation policy:
  1. As per Clause 5.2, no new airport can be developed within 150 km of an existing international airport.
  2. Warangal has been granted an exception to this rule.
  3. This rule applies only to airports managed by private operators.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, and 3
2Q. Which of the following factors influence the selection of locations for airport development in India?
  1. Proximity to major industrial hubs
  2. Existing road and rail connectivity
  3. Availability of large land parcels
  4. Population density of the region
Select the correct answer using the code below:
  1. 1, 2, and 3 only
  2. 1 and 4 only
  3. 2, 3, and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, and 4