PM Modi to Inaugurate Bhogapuram International Airport on August 1

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit on August 1, when he is scheduled to dedicate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram to the nation. The inauguration is expected to mark a major milestone for North Andhra, with the greenfield airport set to enhance regional air connectivity, boost tourism, attract investments and accelerate economic development across the region.

Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Minister Kondapalli Srinivas conducted an extensive inspection of the venue and reviewed arrangements for the high-profile event. The ministers examined the helipad, VVIP security arrangements, traffic management, vehicle parking facilities, and the public meeting venue, while taking stock of the progress of works being carried out by various departments.

The Vizianagaram district administration has accelerated works at the venue, with multiple government agencies working together to complete infrastructure, security and public convenience measures well ahead of the scheduled inauguration.

Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd., the airport is a greenfield international airport designed with an initial passenger handling capacity of six million passengers annually, with future expansion planned to accommodate more than 40 million passengers a year. The facility features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, a modern integrated passenger terminal, dedicated cargo infrastructure and advanced aviation systems capable of handling both domestic and international operations.

The airport has also received key regulatory clearances, including the DGCA Aerodrome Licence, BCAS security approval, Immigration Check Post (ICP) status and Customs notification, enabling it to commence commercial operations after inauguration. It is expected to reduce operational pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam Airport, which functions from the Indian Navy's INS Dega and faces expansion constraints due to defence operations. The new airport is also expected to serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, exports, logistics, tourism and employment across North Andhra.