Visakhapatnam:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradeshs Vizianagaram district marking the launch of the states major international airport. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects over ₹17,900 crore during his visit.
A ₹5,640 Crore Greenfield Airport
Developed under the private partnership model by the GMR Group at a cost of around ₹5,640 crore the Greenfield airport has been built to handle 6 million passengers annually in its first phase with capacity planned to rise to 12 million and eventually 18 million passengers in subsequent phases. The airport also features a cargo terminal with a handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes, including temperature-controlled cold-chain facilities for pharmaceuticals, marine products and other high-value perishable goods aimed at boosting north Andhras export ecosystem.
Design and Technology
The terminals design draws inspiration from heritage, including the Chuttillu-style cottages and the Araku Valley and incorporates modern technologies such as AI-based systems, biometric passenger processing and sustainable green-building features.
A Long Road to Completion
The airports journey began in 2016, when the Union government gave in-principle approval for the project under the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government. Then-Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone in 2023 under the YSR Congress Party government. The project was completed under the current TDP-led administration of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The airport has been built on the condition that commercial operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport 60 km away cease for the next 30 years.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu among senior officials.
Expected Impact
Officials said the airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment and employment generation across north Andhra Pradesh serving the wider Visakhapatnam metropolitan region.
Note: This report is based on statements and information available, at the time of publication.
