Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupatiraju Srinivasa Varma on Wednesday instructed the officials to expedite the ongoing construction of the new integrated terminal at the Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram.The Minister, along with Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, reviewed the progress of the airport terminal works with the officials and executing agency.The new integrated terminal is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹824.28 crore and will cover 51,315 square metres. Once completed, the facility can handle 3.5 million passengers annually and accommodate up to 1,200 passengers during peak hours, including 800 domestic and 400 international travellers.According to officials, the facility will feature 24 check-in counters, eight customs and immigration counters, six passenger boarding bridges, nine departure gates, 10 escalators, 19 elevators, and parking space for 648 cars. An elevated 1,270-metre access road is also under construction to improve airport connectivity.While the project deadline has been set for November 10, 2026, with full operational readiness by December 31, 2026, the Minister instructed the officials to ensure that the terminal is completed ahead of the Dasara festival season.The upgraded airport would significantly boost international connectivity from Vijayawada, which currently has limited overseas services. The expansion works have been undertaken as part of the UDAN scheme that aims at strengthening the regional air connectivity across India, including airports and heliports in remote and tribal areas.The Union Minister also referred to broader national infrastructure growth, including developments in ports, railways, express corridors, Vande Bharat trains, and highways, saying these initiatives are reshaping India’s connectivity landscape.The Bhogapuram International Airport project is also progressing rapidly and is expected to become operational soon, further strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s aviation network. Published - June 17, 2026 06:46 pm IST