Vijayawada Airport’s New Terminal Reaches 80% Completion, Set for Launch in Five Months

Vijayawada Airport’s new terminal building has achieved a major construction milestone, with nearly 80 per cent of the work now completed. Authorities have set a revised timeline of five months to finish the remaining construction and make the facility ready for operations, following delays linked to contractor support issues.

Airport Director Lakshmi Kantha Reddy said that the delay in the project was primarily due to inadequate support from the contractor. However, officials have now stepped up efforts to resolve pending issues and ensure that the remaining works are completed within the revised schedule. Once operational, the new terminal is expected to significantly enhance passenger convenience by offering modern facilities, improved services, and a better travel experience.

The project is part of a larger push to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the region and improve connectivity across India. The Union Cabinet has already approved the modified Regional Connectivity Scheme, widely known as UDAN, which aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible for passengers across smaller cities and underserved regions.

Under the revamped UDAN scheme, the government plans to develop 100 airports and 200 heliports across hilly states, Union Territories, northeastern states, and aspirational districts. This initiative is expected to open up new opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and business activity in remote regions.

Officials also highlighted that, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, support is being extended for aircraft acquisition to boost the domestic aircraft manufacturing ecosystem. Along with airports and heliports, the development of water aerodromes is also being prioritised to strengthen regional transport networks.

The Vijayawada Airport terminal project is seen as an important part of this broader infrastructure strategy, aimed at improving passenger traffic handling capacity and supporting long-term growth in India’s aviation sector.