PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on August 1

Bhogapuram airport set to become new growth engine for North Andhra region’s economy, industry and tourism

Rs 4,727-crore Greenfield airport completed in a record time of 31 months

Aviation Hub and Aviation University planned to generate more employment opportunities

Amaravati: North Andhra is going to witness a major milestone in development with the commissioning of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on August 1 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Built at a cost of nearly Rs 4,727 crore in a record time of 31 months, the airport is ready to commence commercial operations.

Extensive arrangements are underway for the Prime Minister’s visit and the inauguration ceremony. The government views Bhogapuram Airport not merely as an infrastructure project, but as a transformational asset for the entire North Andhra region. As part of its vision to position Visakhapatnam among globally developed cities, the government has developed the airport to international standards. Beyond serving as an aviation facility, the airport has been conceived as a catalyst for industrial growth, employment generation, exports, skill development and research.

Bhogapuram is among the fastest-completed Greenfield international airports in India completed within 31 months, nearly five months ahead of schedule. The airport has already secured the DGCA aerodrome licence, along with all required safety, fire and environmental clearances.The airport has been designed to handle 6 million passengers annually in the first phase, with a master plan to expand capacity to 40 million passengers annually in the future. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting economic growth, tourism, industrial investments, exports, logistics, aerospace and defence sectors across the erstwhile Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.

The airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework. The integrated project spans 2,703.26 acres, including:Airport: 2,203.32 acres, Aviation Hub: 500 acres, Aviation University/EduCity: 136.63 acres. The project includes comprehensive airside infrastructure, commercial development, residential zones and approach roads.

A key highlight is its 3,800-metre Code-E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330 and Airbus A340. The airport is also equipped with advanced airfield lighting, navigation aids and CNS/ATM infrastructure to support both domestic and international operations.

The terminal incorporates advanced passenger processing technologies including: Contact boarding bridges, Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), Self baggage drop, Self-service passenger processing, Smart surveillance, Access control systems, Security management systems, Integrated Operational Control and Monitoring Centre. These facilities are aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
Bhogapuram Airport is expected to significantly strengthen North Andhra’s export ecosystem through a 25,000 metric tonne annual capacity cargo terminal.It includes temperature-controlled cold chain facilities for transporting pharmaceuticals, marine products and other high-value perishable goods. Integration with Visakhapatnam Port, industrial corridors and logistics networks is expected to establish Bhogapuram as a major air cargo and logistics hub on India’s east coast.The airport has been designed with sustainability as a key focus, featuring:5 MW solar power plant, Energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED airfield lighting, Smart Building Management System, Rainwater harvesting, Water recycling, Sewage treatment plants, Integrated waste management systems. Around 30 per cent of the airport’s water requirement will be met through recycled water. The airport is being developed to LEED Platinum standards.

Architecturally, the terminal reflects Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity. Inspired by the “Flying Fish”, symbolising the Bay of Bengal and North Andhra’s maritime heritage, the terminal also incorporates traditional Rangoli into its roof and ceiling designs.

The airport has obtained all major statutory approvals, including:DGCA Aerodrome Licence, Validation Flight Clearance, BCAS Security Clearance, PESO Approval, Fire Safety Clearances. Comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials have also been completed with participation from airlines, ground handlers, customs, immigration, security agencies and airport personnel.

Aviation Hub: The State Government plans to develop a 500-acre Aviation Hub adjacent to the airport as a next-generation, net-zero focused aerospace and defence ecosystem. The hub will include: MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facilities, Aerospace and defence manufacturing, Aircraft assembly, Aviation logistics and cargo infrastructure, Design and R&D centres, Aviation training academies, Skill development institutions. The project aims to attract around Rs 20,000 crore in investments and generate over 60,000 direct and 1.2 lakh indirect employment opportunities.
Aviation University: An Aviation University/EduCity will be developed over 136.63 acres adjacent to the airport.The institution will focus on aviation, aerospace, defence, drones and emerging technologies through education, research, innovation and skill development.The project is expected to attract Rs 3,000–5,000 crore in investments, accommodate around 9,000 students and train 4,000 executive education participants annually, in collaboration with leading national and international institutions and industry partners.

The Andhra Pradesh Government invested Rs 1,582.97 crore towards enabling infrastructure, including land acquisition – Rs 944.40 crore, Water supply – Rs 75 crore, Power supply – Rs 97.31 crore, Funded works – Rs 134.55 crore, Connectivity roads – Rs 301.46 crore, Road connectivity – Rs 3.25 crore, Irrigation canal works – Rs 27 crore.The government also developed approach roads and supporting infrastructure connecting the airport. This will significantly improve air connectivity across North Andhra, coastal Andhra and neighbouring states.

The airport is expected to unlock new opportunities in tourism, hospitality, logistics, warehousing, exports, pharmaceuticals, marine products, IT, aerospace, defence and manufacturing.Tourist destinations such as Araku, Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam are expected to benefit substantially. The planned Aviation Hub, Aviation University, cargo facilities, MRO ecosystem and aerospace industries are expected to transform the Visakhapatnam–Bhogapuram Growth Corridor into one of India’s leading economic and industrial corridors.