Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, a ₹5,000 crore infrastructure project expected to significantly boost connectivity and economic growth in the state’s northern region.
Located in Vizianagaram district, the airport is Andhra Pradesh’s third international airport and has been designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase. State authorities have planned future expansion to raise its capacity to 40 million passengers every year.
AI-powered airport with Andhra-inspired architecture
Officials said the airport is equipped with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence-based systems, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 technologies, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC) and biometric passenger processing.
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The terminal has also been designed to reflect Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage. Its roof is inspired by traditional Chuttilu cottages, while several architectural elements draw from the scenic beauty of the Araku Valley.
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi toured the terminal with Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore unveiled
During his Andhra Pradesh visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore across infrastructure, semiconductors, renewable energy and highways.
Among the key announcements was the foundation stone for the ₹460 crore ASIP Semiconductor Project in Visakhapatnam, being developed by ASIP Technologies Pvt Ltd in partnership with APACT of South Korea.
The facility is Andhra Pradesh’s first semiconductor manufacturing unit approved under the India Semiconductor Mission and is expected to produce around 96 million chips annually.
Renewable energy and highway projects
Modi also launched major power transmission projects, including the ₹5,550 crore transmission system for the Kurnool-IV Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-I, which has a capacity of 4.5 GW.
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Additionally, he inaugurated transmission infrastructure linked to wind and solar energy zones in Kurnool and Ananthapuram.
The Prime Minister also dedicated National Highway projects worth over ₹1,880 crore, including a four-lane greenfield highway on NH-365 BG and a high-level bridge at Lingasamudram on NH-565.
Traditional welcome marks PM’s visit
After the airport inauguration, Modi attended a public gathering where more than 13,500 tribal women and students welcomed him with a traditional Dhimsa dance performance.
FAQs
Where is the Bhogapuram International Airport located?
The airport is located in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh and serves as the state’s third international airport.
What is the passenger capacity of the new Bhogapuram airport?
The airport can initially handle six million passengers annually, with expansion plans to increase capacity to 40 million passengers per year.