PM Modi to Inaugurate ₹5,000 Crore Bhogapuram International Airport

North Andhra is set to witness one of its biggest infrastructure milestones as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on August 1. Developed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹5,000 crore, the greenfield airport is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity while supporting long-term industrial and economic growth.

The airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under the Public-Private Partnership model and spans more than 2,700 acres. In its first phase, the airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually, with future expansion planned to increase capacity to 40 million passengers every year.

A major highlight of the project is its 3,800-metre Code-E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330. The terminal is equipped with advanced passenger processing systems, contact boarding bridges, self-service facilities, smart surveillance and modern navigation infrastructure to support both domestic and international operations.

The airport has also been planned as a key logistics and cargo gateway for India’s east coast. It features a cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes, supported by temperature-controlled cold chain facilities for pharmaceutical products, seafood exports and other perishable goods. Its strategic connectivity to Visakhapatnam Port, industrial corridors and major road networks is expected to strengthen exports and attract new investments.

Beyond aviation, the integrated development includes a 500-acre aviation hub, an aviation university, EduCity and commercial infrastructure aimed at creating a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem. The Andhra Pradesh government has additionally invested ₹1,583 crore in supporting infrastructure, including land acquisition, roads, water supply and power connectivity.

The project is expected to generate significant opportunities across logistics, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, defence and information technology sectors. Improved connectivity is also likely to benefit popular destinations such as Araku, Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, positioning North Andhra as an emerging investment and tourism destination.