Vizianagaram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, marking the commissioning of the state's first greenfield international airport since the 2014 bifurcation.
The airport, developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under the public-private partnership (PPP) model at an investment of over ₹5,640 crore, is being positioned as a major aviation and economic infrastructure project aimed at transforming North Coastal Andhra Pradesh into a regional hub for trade, tourism, logistics and industrial investment.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple infrastructure projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore across Andhra Pradesh. The package includes a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, renewable energy transmission infrastructure in Kurnool and Anantapur, and several national highway projects designed to improve multimodal connectivity, industrial logistics and regional economic integration.
The newly inaugurated airport has been designed with an initial passenger handling capacity of six million annually, with a long-term master plan to expand capacity to 40 million passengers per year. Scheduled commercial flight operations are set to begin on August 17, following the transition of civilian aviation services from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport, which operates as a civil enclave within a naval air station and faces expansion constraints due to defence infrastructure.
Officials said the Bhogapuram airport addresses longstanding operational limitations at the existing airport by providing a dedicated greenfield aviation facility spread across nearly 2,200 acres alongside National Highway-16. It features a 3,800-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, expanded apron space, modern passenger processing systems and future-ready cargo infrastructure, significantly enhancing the region's aviation capacity.
The terminal incorporates sustainable design principles and advanced engineering suited for the cyclone-prone eastern coastline. According to project developers, the structure has been engineered to withstand wind speeds of up to 275 kmph and heavy rainfall, supported by reinforced structural systems, high-performance façades, impact-resistant glazing and an integrated stormwater drainage network. The design exceeds conventional coastal wind-loading standards and reflects lessons learned from the damage caused to Visakhapatnam Airport during Cyclone Hudhud in 2014.
Architecturally, the terminal showcases Andhra Pradesh's cultural identity through design elements inspired by Araku Valley, traditional chuttillu architecture, indigenous tribal art and marine motifs, while incorporating energy-efficient systems and sustainable construction practices. Prime Minister Modi inspected the passenger terminal, reviewed its operational and sustainability features and was briefed by GMR officials before addressing a public gathering.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Tribal women and students also performed the traditional Dhimsa dance during the event after recently creating a Guinness World Record with a performance involving more than 13,000 participants.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the airport would significantly strengthen regional and international connectivity while boosting tourism, commerce, investment and employment opportunities. He also highlighted that naming the airport after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju reflects the country's commitment to preserving its historical legacy while investing in modern infrastructure.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the airport as a transformational project for Uttarandhra and credited farmers who contributed land for its development. He said the project would accelerate industrialisation, attract global investments and create large-scale employment opportunities. The Chief Minister also pointed to increasing investor interest in the region, citing technology and manufacturing sectors as future growth drivers.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said the airport would emerge as a strategic gateway for North Andhra, enhancing passenger mobility, cargo movement and industrial development. He added that the Centre plans to establish aviation training and skill development facilities in the region to prepare a skilled workforce for India's rapidly expanding civil aviation sector.
The Andhra Pradesh government views the Bhogapuram International Airport as more than a transportation project, describing it as a long-term growth engine for industrial development, exports, logistics, tourism, research, skill development and employment generation. With its strategic location, scalable infrastructure and integration with road and future economic corridors, the airport is expected to play a key role in strengthening Andhra Pradesh's connectivity with domestic and international markets while supporting the state's long-term economic growth strategy.
