Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, a significant greenfield project costing around ₹5,000 crores. Set to begin commercial flights on August 17, the airport aims to boost connectivity and economic growth in the region. With an initial capacity of 6 million passengers, plans are in place to expand this to 40 million. This airport is part of a larger integrated development project that includes an aviation hub and university, highlighting the government's commitment to industrial growth and job creation in northern Andhra Pradesh.
Aug 1, 2026, 12:33 IST
Inauguration of the New Airport
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport located in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. This greenfield project, which has an investment of approximately ₹5,000 crores, aims to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the northern coastal region of the state. Commercial flights are set to commence from August 17, with an initial annual passenger capacity of 6 million, which is expected to expand to 40 million in subsequent phases.
Significance of the Airport
This airport marks the second greenfield airport to become operational in India this year, following the commencement of commercial operations at the Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh on June 15. The Andhra Pradesh government has positioned this airport as a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at fostering industrial growth, generating employment, boosting exports, enhancing skill development, and promoting research in northern Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 2,200 acres, the airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, utilizing the 'Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer' (DBFOT) framework.
Integrated Development Project
The extensive integrated development project covers an area of 2,703.26 acres, which includes the airport itself, an aviation hub spanning 500 acres, and an aviation university along with an edusity covering 136.63 acres. The project encompasses airside infrastructure, commercial and residential developments, as well as access roads. GMR Group has reported that the airport construction was completed several months ahead of schedule. During the inauguration, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu briefed the Prime Minister on the project's key features.