Visakhapatnam, (Economy India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district. Built at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 5,000 crore, the airport is expected to become a major aviation hub and a key driver of economic development in the North Andhra region.
Developed by GMR Group, the airport has been designed to meet growing domestic and international air travel demand while supporting the region’s long-term industrial and commercial expansion. The Andhra Pradesh government considers the project much more than an infrastructure upgrade, describing it as a transformational investment that will create new opportunities across multiple sectors.
The new airport is expected to improve connectivity for cities such as Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam, making travel more convenient for business travelers, tourists, and residents. Better air connectivity is also likely to attract fresh investments in manufacturing, information technology, logistics, tourism, and other industries.
Officials believe the airport will play a significant role in generating employment during both its operational and future expansion phases. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created in aviation services, hospitality, transport, retail, cargo handling, and maintenance operations. The project is also expected to encourage local entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized businesses.
One of the major advantages of the Bhogapuram Airport is its potential to strengthen exports from Andhra Pradesh. Improved air cargo facilities will help local industries, including agriculture, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, transport their products to domestic and international markets more efficiently. This is expected to enhance the competitiveness of businesses operating in the region.
The airport is also expected to encourage skill development and research by attracting aviation-related training institutes, logistics companies, and technology-driven businesses. With improved infrastructure, the region could emerge as an important center for aviation services and allied industries in the coming years.
The Andhra Pradesh government has stated that the airport will act as a catalyst for balanced regional development, helping North Andhra achieve faster economic growth while improving connectivity and investment opportunities.
The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks another significant addition to India’s rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure. As passenger traffic continues to grow across the country, the new airport is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as an important gateway for business, tourism, and international trade.
(Economy India)
