UDAN 2.0 To Enable Airports In Adilabad And Nagarjuna Sagar

31 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Centre has allocated Rs 120 billion (bn) to develop 100 airports and Rs 35 bn for construction of 200 heliports under the programme. In addition, Rs 100 bn has been earmarked as viability gap funding to support airline operations and improve services to underserved regions. The funding plan is intended to accelerate infrastructure work and encourage carriers to add routes that are currently uneconomic.

The minister clarified that the government will not take over the Air Force airstrip at Adilabad but will acquire additional land to build a new civil airport nearby. He also indicated that there was no objection to constructing a vehicular tunnel beneath the Begumpet runway if the state government meets the cost, allowing existing infrastructure to remain operational while upgrades proceed.

The minister reported that the new facility at Bhogapuram and the expanded Vijayawada airport are expected to be operational by June. The Mamunoor project near Warangal is under inter-ministerial review, with plans to lay a foundation stone by June, subject to clearances. Sites earlier identified for Kothagudem and Basanth Nagar were found unsuitable and alternative locations are under consideration.

He added that Embraer is likely to take a decision within two to three months on establishing an aircraft manufacturing facility in India and aims to complete its first India-made aircraft by the end of 2028. The announcement is expected to stimulate local manufacturing and create supply chain opportunities for ancillary industries.

The Union Cabinet has approved UDAN 2.0, paving the way for new airports at Adilabad in Telangana and Nagarjuna Sagar in Andhra Pradesh, the Union Civil Aviation Minister said. The scheme will enable upgrading existing airstrips into full airports and is intended to strengthen regional connectivity across both states and link tier-two cities with major centres. It will also facilitate flight services from Kurnool and Kadapa to Delhi and other major cities. The Centre has allocated Rs 120 billion (bn) to develop 100 airports and Rs 35 bn for construction of 200 heliports under the programme. In addition, Rs 100 bn has been earmarked as viability gap funding to support airline operations and improve services to underserved regions. The funding plan is intended to accelerate infrastructure work and encourage carriers to add routes that are currently uneconomic. The minister clarified that the government will not take over the Air Force airstrip at Adilabad but will acquire additional land to build a new civil airport nearby. He also indicated that there was no objection to constructing a vehicular tunnel beneath the Begumpet runway if the state government meets the cost, allowing existing infrastructure to remain operational while upgrades proceed. The minister reported that the new facility at Bhogapuram and the expanded Vijayawada airport are expected to be operational by June. The Mamunoor project near Warangal is under inter-ministerial review, with plans to lay a foundation stone by June, subject to clearances. Sites earlier identified for Kothagudem and Basanth Nagar were found unsuitable and alternative locations are under consideration. He added that Embraer is likely to take a decision within two to three months on establishing an aircraft manufacturing facility in India and aims to complete its first India-made aircraft by the end of 2028. The announcement is expected to stimulate local manufacturing and create supply chain opportunities for ancillary industries.

Infrastructure Urban

31 Mar 2026

India and UK Review CETA Progress at WTO Ministerial

On the sidelines of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal met the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Business and Trade Mr Peter J Kyle. The meeting saw both ministers exchange views on the MC-14 agenda and review progress on the implementation of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July 2025. The discussion reviewed implementation milestones and procedural steps toward ratification and operationalisation. Goyal noted that India has c..

Infrastructure Urban

31 Mar 2026

Goyal Holds Bilateral Talks With EU Trade Commissioner

On the sidelines of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal held a bilateral meeting with European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The meeting examined the MC?14 agenda and assessed progress on work to finalise the recently concluded India?European Union free trade agreement (FTA). Both sides also considered avenues to further enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation. On WTO reforms, both leaders agreed on the necessity of substantive change and underlined that reform ef..

Infrastructure Urban

31 Mar 2026

L&T Secures Significant Orders For Buildings And Factories Business

The Buildings and Factories (B&F) business vertical of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured multiple orders across several states in India, including new contracts and add-on work in ongoing projects. In Gujarat the unit won an order for the construction of a float glass plant, with the scope covering design and construction of all civil, steel, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work and associated external development. In Andhra Pradesh the business secured an order from a leading two-wheeler manufacturer for the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, encompassing civil, st..