Andhra Pradesh Expansion: PM Modi Opens Bhogapuram Airport Amid Multi-Sector Investments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a major shift in Andhra Pradesh's infrastructure with the opening of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. The visit includes the launch of several industrial and energy projects worth over ₹17,900 crore.
Key takeaways
- The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is the first greenfield international hub in Andhra Pradesh since the 2014 state bifurcation.
- Commercial flight operations will officially migrate from the old Visakhapatnam airport to Bhogapuram on August 17, 2026.
- Additional state-wide investments launched today exceed ₹17,900 crore, covering semiconductors, highways, and renewable energy transmission.
- The new airport, built by GMR at a cost of ₹5,640 crore, features a first-phase capacity of six million annual passengers.
Infrastructure Milestone for the Vizianagaram District
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, August 1, 2026, to officially open the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. This facility represents the first greenfield international aviation hub established in the state following the 2014 bifurcation. Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited via a public-private partnership, the project required an investment exceeding ₹5,640 crore.
The Prime Minister's itinerary began with a 10:45 a.m. arrival, followed by the formal terminal inauguration at 10:58 a.m. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu were present to receive the Prime Minister. While civil operations are currently based at the existing Visakhapatnam airport, they will shift entirely to the new Bhogapuram site on August 17, 2026. In its initial phase, the terminal is built to accommodate six million passengers annually.
Broader Economic and Industrial Commitments
Beyond aviation, the Prime Minister utilized the visit to initiate projects totaling more than ₹17,900 crore across various sectors in the state. These initiatives focus on industrial modernization and energy security:
- Construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant located in Visakhapatnam.
- Development of four distinct national highway projects to improve regional connectivity.
- Implementation of power transmission infrastructure to support renewable energy zones in Kurnool and Anantapur.
Logistics and Regional Impact
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu noted that the project has been under construction for 24 months, describing it as a fundamental shift for the northern Andhra region. Local authorities prepared for a massive turnout, with the district administration estimating an attendance of over two lakh people for the public address. Security forces were positioned along the approach roads to manage heavy traffic from APSRTC and school buses ferrying attendees to the site.
This visit marks the Prime Minister's first public engagement since recent demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The transition of commercial flight services later this month will finalize the operational handover from the military-controlled Visakhapatnam airfield to the new dedicated civilian international facility.
Source: The Hindu — National
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