Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh on August 1, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation infrastructure. Built at an estimated cost of around ₹5,000 crore, the greenfield airport is expected to significantly improve connectivity, promote tourism, attract investments, and accelerate economic development across North Andhra Pradesh.
The airport, located in Vizianagaram district near Visakhapatnam, is named after legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju and is being projected as a key gateway for domestic and international travelers.
Major Infrastructure Boost for Andhra Pradesh
The inauguration is part of the Centre’s broader push to strengthen India’s aviation network through modern airport infrastructure.
The new airport is expected to reduce pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam Airport while providing improved connectivity to Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and surrounding regions. It is also expected to support industrial development, tourism, and exports from North Andhra.
Key Features of the Airport
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport offers several modern facilities designed to meet future aviation demand:
- Built as a greenfield international airport.
- Developed at an investment of approximately ₹5,000 crore.
- Located near Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.
- Designed to handle wide-body international aircraft.
- Modern passenger terminal with advanced technology and passenger amenities.
- Dedicated cargo facilities to boost exports and logistics.
- Sustainable infrastructure with scope for future expansion.
Passenger Capacity and Expansion Plans
In its initial phase, the airport is designed to handle around 6 million passengers annually, with expansion plans that could increase capacity to 40 million passengers per year in the future.
Spread across nearly 2,700 acres, the project has been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and completed in about 31 months, making it one of India’s fastest-developed greenfield airports.
Economic Impact on North Andhra
The airport is expected to become a major driver of economic growth by:
- Improving domestic and international air connectivity.
- Supporting tourism along Andhra Pradesh’s coastline.
- Boosting exports through dedicated cargo infrastructure.
- Attracting investments in manufacturing and logistics.
- Generating employment opportunities across the region.
The Andhra Pradesh government has also invested substantially in supporting infrastructure, including road connectivity and utilities around the airport, to maximize its economic potential.
PM Modi Highlights Infrastructure Development
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi described the airport as an important addition to India’s rapidly expanding transport infrastructure. He said improved aviation connectivity would strengthen regional development, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for businesses and tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
A New Gateway for Andhra Pradesh
The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport represents a significant step in enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s connectivity with the rest of India and international destinations. With its modern infrastructure, future expansion potential, and strategic location, the airport is expected to play a crucial role in transforming North Andhra into a major economic, industrial, and tourism hub in the years ahead.
