Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Andhra Pradesh
Inauguration of the New Airport
On August 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, located in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The airport, which has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crores, is set to welcome the Prime Minister at 10:45 AM via a special flight from Delhi, where he will be greeted by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Ceremonial Activities
At 10:58 AM, the Prime Minister will officially open the airport's terminal building, followed by a tour of the facility alongside the Chief Minister, Governor, and other dignitaries. He will then proceed to a public gathering site in an open vehicle, where over 13,500 tribal women and students will perform the traditional dance 'Dhimsa' in his honor. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the assembly from 11:30 AM to 12:55 PM.
Significance of the Airport
According to state government officials, this airport has been developed in line with international standards as part of a vision to establish Visakhapatnam as a globally recognized city. It is anticipated to serve as a crucial catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, exports, skill development, and research. An official statement highlighted that this airport is among the fastest greenfield international airports to be completed in India, finishing nearly five months ahead of schedule.
Operational Capacity and Future Plans
The airport has received an 'Aerodrome License' from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with all necessary safety, firefighting, and environmental approvals. Designed to handle 6 million passengers annually in its first phase, the master plan allows for future expansion to accommodate up to 40 million passengers per year. This project is expected to significantly boost economic development, tourism, industrial investment, exports, logistics, and the aerospace and defense sectors in the Vizag, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts.
Public-Private Partnership Development
Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) has undertaken the design, construction, financing, operation, and transfer (DBFOT) of this integrated project, which spans an area of 2,703.26 acres. Additionally, a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 25,000 metric tons has been established at Bhogapuram Airport, enhancing the export capabilities of northern Andhra Pradesh.
Additional Projects and Departure
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various projects worth ₹18,000 crores across ministries such as petroleum and road transport. His return to Delhi is scheduled for 1:10 PM on the same day.