Daijiworld Media Network - Bhogapuram
Bhogapuram, Aug 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district, marking a major boost to the State's aviation infrastructure.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 4,727 crore, the airport was completed in a record 31 months. In its first phase, the airport has the capacity to handle six million passengers annually, with plans to expand the capacity to 40 million passengers per year in subsequent phases.
The airport is being developed in three phases and is expected to significantly enhance domestic and international air connectivity for north Andhra Pradesh.
After inaugurating the terminal building at around 11 am, the Prime Minister inspected the airport facilities along with Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Modi later travelled in an open-top vehicle to a public meeting venue, where he was welcomed by more than 13,500 tribal women and students performing the traditional Dhimsa dance. He was scheduled to address the gathering before departing for New Delhi in the afternoon.
The new airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, an integrated passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities and modern airside infrastructure designed to accommodate both domestic and international flight operations.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the airport as a landmark project for north Andhra Pradesh and said it would usher in a new era for the State's aviation sector.
He said the airport would transform the region's economic landscape by improving connectivity, generating employment opportunities and boosting trade, tourism and investment.
Naidu also said the project would help promote regional attractions, including the internationally recognised Araku Coffee and other tourist destinations across north Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister has directed officials to launch a public awareness campaign under the theme "Wings to the Dreams of North Andhra" to highlight the airport's role in the region's development and encourage greater public engagement.