PM Modi Inaugurates Bhogapuram Airport in Andhra Pradesh

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Inaugurated

On August 1, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, located in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The event also marked the commencement and dedication of several other key development projects aimed at accelerating economic growth, tourism, employment, and industrial progress in the state.

Addressing the nation after dedicating the newly constructed airport, Prime Minister Modi stated that it is more than just an aviation hub; it is a new 'runway' for the development of Andhra Pradesh, especially the North Andhra region. He further described it as a 'launchpad' for the bright future of the state's youth, emphasizing its role in providing a new direction for regional development.

Honoring a Freedom Fighter

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of inaugurating a state-of-the-art airport on the land where the great freedom fighter and tribal leader Alluri Sitarama Raju dedicated his life to the rights of tribal communities. He announced that the Central government had decided to name this vital new airport after the brave hero of the freedom struggle, Shri Alluri Sitarama Raju.

This decision, originally made by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet in September 2024, aligns with a national trend of honoring great personalities and saints by naming national importance institutions like airports. This contrasts with a past where such honors were often limited to a single family.

Boosting Regional Development

The Bhogapuram Airport, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost exceeding ₹5,640 crore, is designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase. Situated on National Highway 16, approximately 45 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, the airport is seen as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh's economic growth and the revival of North Andhra.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that improved air connectivity opens new avenues for trade, tourism, and investment, ultimately leading to increased employment opportunities and strengthening the local economy. The project is a crucial step in enhancing the state's connectivity and attracting investment.

Infrastructure and Energy Projects

Alongside the Bhogapuram Airport, other projects initiated are significant strides in road connectivity, energy security, and industrial development for Andhra Pradesh. These projects are testaments to the state's rapid development journey, fostering trade, tourism, and investment, thereby creating new job opportunities for the youth.

Among these initiatives is the foundation laying for the Transmission System for Integration of Kurnoool-IV Renewable Energy Zone – Phase-I (4.5 GW). This project is set to bolster the state's energy security and aid in achieving its renewable energy targets.

Focus on Blue Economy and Future Technologies

India is continuously strengthening its 'Blue Economy,' with a focus on developing coastal regions into Coastal Economic Corridors. Existing ports are being modernized, and new ports are being developed to make Andhra Pradesh a major hub for maritime trade, integrating into India's broader strategy to enhance coastal infrastructure and facilitate international trade.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India's growing emphasis on future technologies, promoting modern tech industries like semiconductors to harness the potential of Andhra Pradesh's talented youth. The commencement of a new semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam is a significant step towards creating new jobs and opportunities in the tech sector, strengthening India's self-reliance and global supply chain position.

Cultural Heritage on Display

A grand presentation of tribal culture was a significant highlight of the event, celebrated as a fusion of development and cultural history. The performance of the 'Dhimsa' dance by over 13,000 tribal women and girls set a new record, showcasing Andhra Pradesh's rich tribal heritage and cultural diversity.

The Prime Minister lauded the enthusiasm, discipline, and cultural preservation spirit of the tribal women. This display offered a glimpse into India's diversity and tribal heritage, reinforcing the nation's unity. He concluded that this region of Andhra Pradesh is becoming a confluence of development, culture, and heritage.

He expressed hope that the Bhogapuram Airport, now known as Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, will prove to be a vital center in the coming years, propelling the state's economic progress. The airport is expected to not only facilitate travel and trade but also place the region prominently on the national and international map, marking a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh's development.