Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major addition to the state’s aviation infrastructure. Developed at an estimated cost of ₹4,727 crore, the airport has been completed in just 31 months and is expected to strengthen domestic and international connectivity while driving economic growth in North Andhra.
The airport has been planned in multiple phases and is designed to initially accommodate 6 million passengers annually, with long-term expansion aimed at increasing the capacity to over 40 million passengers every year.
Prime Minister Reviews Airport Facilities
Following the inauguration of the terminal building, Prime Minister Modi inspected the newly developed airport along with Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
After the inspection, the Prime Minister proceeded to a public gathering where he was welcomed by thousands of tribal women and students performing the traditional Dhimsa dance before addressing the audience.
Modern Infrastructure for Domestic and International Operations
The newly inaugurated airport has been equipped with infrastructure capable of handling both domestic and international air traffic.
Among its key features are a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, an integrated passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities and modern airside infrastructure. Officials said the airport has been designed to support future growth in passenger traffic and commercial operations.
Airport to Be Developed in Three Phases
Authorities said the Bhogapuram International Airport is being developed in three phases. During the first phase, it will serve around 6 million passengers annually, while future expansion plans will increase its capacity to more than 40 million passengers, making it one of the region’s major aviation hubs.
Chandrababu Naidu Calls Airport a Milestone for North Andhra
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the airport as a landmark project for North Andhra, saying it would accelerate economic development, improve connectivity and generate employment opportunities across the region.
He also said the airport would help promote tourism and local products, including the internationally recognised Araku Coffee, while improving access to several tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister has directed officials to launch a statewide awareness campaign under the theme “Wings to the Dreams of North Andhra” to highlight the significance of the new airport and its expected contribution to the state’s development.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector, with the government expecting the airport to emerge as a major gateway for passengers, trade and tourism in the coming years.
