Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy and SP A.R. Damodar explaining arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit to Bhogapuram to Ministers Vangalaoudi Anitha and Kondapalli Srinivas at Bhogapuram international airport on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram to the nation on August 1, marking a landmark aviation milestone for North Coastal Andhra.Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), the greenfield project spans on 2,200 acres and boasts an initial capacity of 6 million passengers per annum alongside a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway.Seamless regulatory clearancesThe airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory approvals ahead of its scheduled debut. Officials have obtained the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Aerodrome Licence, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) clearances, Immigration Check Post (ICP) notification, and Customs clearance under Section 8 of the Customs Act. Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board has granted its Consent to Operate (CtO), clearing all hurdles for immediate commercial operations.Strategically positioned near Vizag, the facility will serve as the primary aviation hub for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and neighbouring regions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. State authorities anticipate that the airport will massively strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by accelerating tourism, trade, logistics, and manufacturing investments.Infrastructure and cargo growthTo guarantee seamless connectivity, the Central and State governments have fast-tracked seven key approach roads and upgraded regional highway networks. Beyond passenger transit, the airport integrates dedicated cargo facilities, aiming to boost export competitiveness for IT, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and seafood. Built with core sustainability features like renewable energy and rainwater harvesting, the project positions Visakhapatnam as the premier gateway of eastern India. Published - July 20, 2026 08:02 pm IST
