DGCA urged to relocate Begumpet airport to Dundigal, citing security and concrete congestion considerations

The Cantonment Vikas Manch, an NGO based mostly out of the Secunderabad Cantonment space, has urged the Directorate Common of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to contemplate relocating Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport to Dundigal, citing security, safety, and concrete congestion considerations. 

The proposal was submitted together with objections and strategies in response to gazette notification launched on June 18 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation almost about Plane (Demolition of obstructions attributable to Buildings and Timber and so forth.) Guidelines, 2025.

The NGO raised a number of points concerning the present location of Begumpet Airport, which is located within the coronary heart of the town, arguing that its continued operation in such a densely populated space poses dangers not solely to aviation security but additionally to public safety. Highlighting current aviation incidents such because the Air India 171 crash in Ahmedabad, the NGO acknowledged that proactive steps have to be taken to stop such tragedies in densely populated city areas. They pressured that fashionable cities should undertake forward-thinking infrastructure planning, particularly in the case of air journey security.

Key considerations

In its submission, the NGO identified that Begumpet airport at the moment operates on a restricted scale, primarily for VIP chartered flights and operations by the Indian Air Pressure (IAF), making it an underutilised asset. They argued that shifting operations to Dundigal airport would result in extra environment friendly and expansive use of aviation infrastructure.

“The Begumpet land, if freed up, could possibly be handed over to the Telangana authorities for public initiatives, together with inexpensive housing for native communities. Shifting the airport to Dundigal would scale back the danger of air accidents impacting residential areas and likewise ease highway visitors within the metropolis,” mentioned Sanki Ravinder Babu, Common Secretary, Cantonment Vikas Manch.

“The relocation isn’t just a matter of effectivity however a essential step towards making certain public security and good city planning,” mentioned Mr. Ravinder Babu.