PM Modi inaugurates Bhogapuram Airport in Andhra Pradesh, dedicates ₹17,900 crore projects
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major infrastructure milestone for the region. The greenfield airport, built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has been designed to handle 6 million passengers annually.
Key Developments at the Inauguration
Modi arrived at Bhogapuram at approximately 11 a.m. and conducted a walk-through of the passenger terminal building before formally inaugurating the airport at around 11:30 a.m. He also laid the foundation stone for and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore in Bhogapuram, addressing a public gathering on the occasion.
Among those present were Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and senior state and central government officials.
What the Airport Offers
The terminal has been equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 systems, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling, and intelligent operational monitoring. According to official statements, these systems are intended to improve passenger convenience, safety, and resource optimisation.
On the sustainability front, the terminal integrates energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and waste management measures. The building is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under Green Building Standards.
Design Rooted in Regional Heritage
The airport's architecture draws from Andhra Pradesh's cultural identity. The terminal's roof profile is inspired by traditional Chuttilu cottages and the landscapes of Araku Valley, while its flowing form is said to evoke the movement of a flying fish — blending indigenous architectural motifs with contemporary airport design.
Expected Impact on the Region
The airport is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, investment, and employment in Andhra Pradesh while strengthening air connectivity across the region. Bhogapuram's location near Visakhapatnam positions the new facility to complement the existing Visakhapatnam Airport and serve the broader northern Andhra belt. This is among the largest greenfield airport investments in southern India in recent years, and its inauguration signals a renewed push to develop aviation infrastructure beyond metro cities.