Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, marking a significant milestone in the state’s aviation and infrastructure journey. Built at an estimated cost of around ₹5,000 crore, the greenfield airport is expected to transform connectivity, tourism, trade, and economic development across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Named after legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, the airport has been developed by the GMR Group under a public-private partnership model. Strategically located near Visakhapatnam and along National Highway 16, it is designed to serve as a modern aviation hub for the region while easing the growing passenger load on the existing Visakhapatnam Airport.
In its first phase, the airport has the capacity to handle six million passengers annually, with provisions for future expansion as demand grows. Equipped with a 3,800-metre runway, it can accommodate wide-body international aircraft, paving the way for enhanced domestic and overseas connectivity. The project is expected to strengthen links with major Indian cities while opening new opportunities for international travel from the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi described the airport as a major step towards accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s development. He said improved infrastructure would boost investment, create employment opportunities, strengthen industries, and support tourism in North Andhra. The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s emphasis on expanding India’s aviation network and improving regional connectivity through modern infrastructure.
Beyond improving air travel, the airport is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth. Better connectivity is likely to attract investments in manufacturing, logistics, information technology, hospitality, and exports. The project is also expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while encouraging the development of hotels, convention centres, warehouses, and commercial hubs around the airport.
The airport is seen as a key component of Andhra Pradesh’s long-term development strategy. Improved access to the state’s scenic coastline, beaches, Buddhist heritage sites, and industrial corridors is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism and business travel. It will also benefit exporters and entrepreneurs by improving access to national and international markets.
The inauguration forms part of a broader push to modernise infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore, covering sectors such as transport, railways, roads, and regional connectivity.
The opening of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is more than the launch of a new aviation facility, it represents a major investment in the future of North Andhra. By improving connectivity, encouraging investment, and creating new economic opportunities, the airport is poised to become a key driver of growth, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s position as an emerging hub for commerce, tourism, and industry.