Bhogapuram Airport launched

Visakhapatnam: Amid much fanfare, and with chants of ‘Modi, Modi’ by a delirious crowd renting the air, the greenfield Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport was launched and dedicated to the nation by PM Modi in Bhogapuram on Saturday, with AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, Ministers, and VVIPs in tow, apart from thousands of people who had arrived from various parts of the north Andhra region.

Spread across 2,203 acres, the airport features a 3,800-metre-long, 45-metre-wide CAT-I runway capable of handling Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and a 79,000 sq. m. two-level passenger terminal, a 5,000-sq.m. cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 25,000 tonnes and a 25-acre maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility with hangars, aircraft wash bays and engine run-up areas.

Developed by GMR at a cost of Rs.4,750 crore, the terminal is designed to cater to the diverse needs of both domestic and foreign passengers. With many people in

the crowd waving national flags and chanting ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans, including farmers who had parted with their lands, the inauguration ceremony reflected the unity and integrity of north Andhra people and their unconditional support in making

the event a household

celebration. After inaugurating the airport terminal, Prime Minister Modi went round the passenger facilities, check-in hall, and advanced technology systems. “The day gains significance for AP’s development and realising the Swarna Andhra vision. The airport will serve as a launch pad for the region’s youth and their development. Earlier, airport names were confined to family’s names. But now, they are being dedicated to national leaders and freedom-fighters. The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will gain popularity not only in the country but also across the world,” the Prime Minister observed, exuded confidence.

During the launch, GMR officials briefed the Prime Minister on the airport’s master plan, future aviation hub and Aerocity development. The Prime Minister also viewed exhibits showcasing north Andhra’s cultural heritage and major pilgrimage destinations displayed digitally. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appreciated GMR Group chairperson Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao for wrapping up the project 31 months ahead of schedule. The seed for establishing the airport in Bhogapuram was sown back in 2014 during the then TDP’s tenure. Twelve years later, the airport came to fruition. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted this.

What makes the airport special is the significant contribution made by the natives of the north Andhra region to the greenfield project’s development, including GMR Group chairperson Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, under whose leadership the airport was developed, Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who allocated lands for the airport when he served as Civil Aviation Minister, and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu.