PM Modi to Inaugurate Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
On August 1, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram and commit Andhra Pradesh's latest international airport to the country.
Created by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a branch of GMR Airports Limited, the new airport is intended to address the increasing aviation demands of the area, with an initial capacity of 6 million passengers annually (MPPA), expandable to over 40 MPPA in later phases.
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The airport boasts a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, a contemporary integrated passenger terminal, specialized cargo facilities, and sophisticated airside infrastructure designed for managing domestic and international operations.
Showing its preparedness for commercial activities, the airport has obtained all significant statutory and regulatory authorizations, such as the Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security vetting permissions from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), designated as an Immigration Check Post (ICP), Customs notification under Section 8 of the Customs Act, Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, and various other essential operational approvals from relevant regulatory bodies.
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These approvals clear the path for starting scheduled commercial operations right after the inauguration.
Situated at Bhogapuram, approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam, the airport will act as the main aviation access point for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and adjacent districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, greatly enhancing connectivity to key domestic and international locations.
It is anticipated to bolster the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by enhancing tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment throughout North Coastal Andhra.
Prior to the inauguration, both Central and State Governments have expedited road connectivity initiatives connecting the airport to Visakhapatnam and nearby districts. Seven primary access roads, upgraded public transport options, and better highway links are anticipated to ensure smooth travel for passengers going to and from the airport.
In addition to passenger connections, the airport is anticipated to act as a driver for sustained economic growth. The dedicated cargo infrastructure, closeness to industrial corridors, and envisioned aviation ecosystem will enhance export competitiveness, boost logistics efficiency, and aid growing sectors like information technology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood exports, and advanced manufacturing.
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The airport has been designed with sustainability as a priority, utilizing renewable energy, rainwater collection, energy-saving systems, and eco-friendly infrastructure to enable effective, resilient, and future-prepared operations, as stated in a GMR Group announcement.