PM inaugurated Alluri International Airport in Bhogapuram
Transforming Regional Infrastructure and ConnectivityIn a major milestone for southern India’s aviation sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the Rs18,000 crore worth of regional development projects mark a giant step toward “Swarna Andhra” (Golden Andhra Pradesh). He noted that the airport honors local tribal heritage while serving as a modern engine for tourism, job creation, and global exports.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep gratitude to the local farmers who contributed land, stating they gave Uttarandhra a “golden future.” He emphasized that the NDA government fulfilled its promise to rebuild the state, with major global investments like Google and ArcelorMittal already following.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu called the day a historic milestone that will be remembered for 100 years. Rebutting past critics who doubted large aircraft would ever land in the region, he declared that North Andhra is now fully equipped for global aviation, trade, and industrial investment.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited at an investment exceeding Rs 5,640 crore, the greenfield airport represents the state’s first major greenfield international aviation hub since the 2014 state bifurcation. Spanning over 2,200 acres, the airport is equipped with a 3,800-meter Code-E runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
Designed to handle 6 million passengers annually in its initial phase, the master plan accounts for future expansion to accommodate up to 40 million passengers per year. Serving as a crucial gateway to North Andhra, the facility dramatically improves air connectivity for major regional centers including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
Cultural Tribute and Architectural Distinction
The naming of the airport after the legendary tribal freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju pays tribute to the region’s rich revolutionary history. During the inauguration, which was celebrated with a record-setting performance by over 13,000 Dhimsa tribal dancers, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of honoring national heroes through world-class infrastructure.
Architecturally, the passenger terminal blends modern aviation design with traditional Andhra heritage. The roofline draws inspiration from local Chuttilu cottages and the rolling hills of the Araku Valley, while its curved contours evoke the graceful motion of a flying fish. Modern sustainability features—including a 5 MW solar plant, advanced rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient climate control—ensure the airport aligns with global green building standards.
Economic Transformation and Future Outlook
Catalyzing Trade, Logistics, and Tourism
Beyond passenger transit, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is engineered as an economic engine for the region. The integrated airport development includes a dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes, equipped with cold-chain facilities to support pharmaceutical exports, marine produce, and agriculture from North Andhra. Adjacent to the terminal, plans are underway for a 500-acre Aviation Hub, an Aerocity, and an Educational Zone featuring an Aviation University. These integrated facilities aim to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across aviation, logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality, positioning Visakhapatnam as a major economic hub on India’s eastern seaboard. “Investment leads to production, production leads to exports, and exports transform lives. The new airport serves as a launchpad for the aspirations of North Andhra’s youth.”
Driving the “Swarna Andhra” Vision
The inauguration of the Bhogapuram airport was complemented by the launching and foundation stone laying of development projects worth nearly Rs18,000 crore across Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives encompass new national highway stretches, power transmission grids for renewable energy integration, and foundational infrastructure for a semiconductor facility. By unifying advanced air logistics with broader transport and industrial networks, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport serves as a cornerstone of the state’s “Swarna Andhra” (Golden Andhra Pradesh) roadmap, setting the stage for long-term economic prosperity and global integration.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
