Bhadradri Kothagudem Greenfield Airport Proposal Advances

Raj Technologies prepared the feasibility study after examining six potential sites and concluded that around 667 acres can be developed at the two preferred locations without major technical or environmental constraints. The proposed facility is projected to handle ATR 72-600 aircraft and to improve regional air connectivity. The state agriculture minister submitted the report to the Union civil aviation ministry seeking early clearance.

The minister noted the district’s strategic importance as a tribal, industrial and tourism hub and cited major employers such as Singareni coalfields, the Heavy Water Plant, ITC and BPL. He underlined benefits for pilgrims visiting the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple at Bhadrachalam, often described as Dakshina Ayodhya, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from India and abroad each year. An airport was described as a way to improve access for tourists and pilgrims and to support the local economy.

Officials said the project would support the district’s forest resources, mineral wealth, ecotourism potential and the proposed Earth Sciences University while encouraging fresh investments. The state government offered full cooperation in implementing the project and enclosed the feasibility report with the submission to the Centre. Proponents argued that the airport could give a major boost to the district’s economy if it secured central clearance.

The proposal is now at a crucial stage as approvals would allow detailed project reports, land acquisition planning and technical assessments for runway and terminal designs to proceed. Stakeholders expect improved air links to enhance connectivity for industry, students and tourists and to open opportunities for new investment in the region. Further progress will depend on the Union government’s review and on subsequent clearances required to move from feasibility to construction.