Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on Saturday, August 1, marking a major milestone for aviation and infrastructure development in North Andhra.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will inspect the passenger terminal building at around 11:00 AM before formally inaugurating the airport at approximately 11:30 AM. He will also launch, inaugurate and dedicate development projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore during the programme.
PM Modi To Open Airport And Launch Major Projects
The development package includes projects connected to semiconductor manufacturing, renewable-energy transmission and national highways. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering during his Andhra Pradesh visit.
The airport inauguration will be the central event of the programme, with the new facility expected to improve domestic and international connectivity for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and neighbouring regions.
Bhogapuram Airport Built At ₹5,640 Crore
The greenfield airport has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership model at a cost exceeding ₹5,640 crore. Its first phase is designed to accommodate six million passengers annually, with infrastructure planned for expansion as passenger demand increases.
The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway capable of supporting wide-body aircraft. Its long-term development plan could increase annual passenger capacity to more than 40 million. Integrated passenger facilities, airside infrastructure and dedicated cargo services are also planned to support regional trade and logistics.
Bhogapuram Airport Combines Smart And Green Systems
The terminal incorporates biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling, intelligent operational monitoring and an Airport Predictive Operations Centre. Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modelling and Airside 4.0 technologies have also been incorporated to improve efficiency, passenger convenience and safety.
Sustainability features include a five-megawatt solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning, waste-management systems and electric-vehicle charging facilities.
The terminal’s architectural design draws inspiration from Andhra Pradesh’s traditional Chuttilu cottages, the landscapes of Araku Valley and the movement of a flying fish, giving the modern building a distinct regional identity.
Bhogapuram Airport To Boost North Andhra Growth
The airport is expected to strengthen tourism, exports, investment, logistics and employment across North Coastal Andhra. Improved air connectivity could particularly benefit Visakhapatnam, Araku, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and nearby industrial corridors.
Cargo infrastructure is expected to support the movement of marine products, pharmaceuticals and other high-value goods. With modern passenger systems, international-standard infrastructure and future expansion capacity, Bhogapuram Airport is being positioned as a major aviation and economic gateway on India’s eastern coast.
