PM Modi Unveils Andhra's Gateway to Growth: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Opens
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the state-of-the-art Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant leap in regional air connectivity and an ambitious push for economic development in the northern coastal districts. Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost exceeding ₹5,640 crore, this greenfield airport is initially equipped to handle six million passengers annually, with plans for a massive expansion to over 40 million passengers. The inauguration was part of a larger event where the Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore, including the state's first semiconductor manufacturing facility, underscoring a holistic infrastructure development agenda. The new international airport, named after a revered tribal freedom fighter, is designed to be a critical aviation hub, aiming to significantly boost tourism, trade, and industrial growth across Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam. Its Code 4E runway can accommodate wide-body aircraft, while a modern integrated passenger terminal features advanced facilities like AI-based operations and biometric check-in. This project aligns with the Modi government's broader 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and the revamped Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)/UDAN, which focuses on enhancing India's aviation network and making air travel accessible to more citizens. Commercial flight operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport are scheduled to commence on August 17, 2026, with airlines like Air India already announcing initial routes to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada. This will coincide with a major shift as scheduled commercial services will cease at the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) for the next three decades, consolidating regional air traffic at the new facility. Observers will be watching how quickly the airport attracts more airlines and international routes, and how the planned 'Aerotropolis' takes shape to truly transform North Andhra into a vibrant economic corridor.