Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh on August 1, 2026, marking the state’s first greenfield international airport since its bifurcation in 2014.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore, covering infrastructure, highways, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the airport has been built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore.
Key Features
- Andhra Pradesh’s first greenfield international airport after the 2014 bifurcation.
- Project cost: ₹5,640 crore.
- Initial passenger handling capacity: 6 million passengers annually.
- Located at Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district.
- Developed under the PPP model by GMR.
The airport is expected to improve connectivity for north coastal Andhra Pradesh while supporting tourism, trade, and investment.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the airport, Prime Minister Modi described the project as a “runway for the growth of North Andhra.”
He also highlighted that the airport has been named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, the legendary tribal freedom fighter, emphasizing the government’s efforts to honour national heroes through major public infrastructure.
Besides inaugurating the airport, the Prime Minister launched and laid foundation stones for projects valued at over ₹17,900 crore across Andhra Pradesh.
The projects include:
- A semiconductor manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam.
- National highway development projects.
- Infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and industrial growth.
These investments are expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing transportation infrastructure.
Speaking during the event, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu outlined two major development targets:
- Polavaram Project completion by 2027.
- First phase of Amaravati development by 2028.
The announcements reflect the state’s broader vision for infrastructure-led economic growth.
The new international airport is expected to:
- Improve domestic and international air connectivity.
- Support tourism across North Andhra.
- Facilitate exports and business travel.
- Attract investments into manufacturing and logistics.
- Generate employment during operations and future expansion.
The airport is also expected to complement industrial projects being developed in the region.
