Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday. He received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the airport. A captivating performance of the vibrant Dhimsa dance marked the occasion. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were also present at the event.
Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore, this greenfield airport in the Vizianagaram district is designed to handle 6 million passengers annually. The passenger terminal building has been designed to offer a modern, seamless, and efficient travel experience. The airport incorporates advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art technologies, and sustainable features to enhance operational efficiency and meet future aviation needs.
Furthermore, the airport is equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 technology, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, an automated baggage handling system, and intelligent operational monitoring solutions. These systems are expected to boost operational efficiency, improve passenger convenience and safety, and ensure better resource utilization.
The project includes several sustainable development features, such as energy-efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, a smart building management system, waste management initiatives, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and environmental monitoring measures. The terminal has been designed in accordance with green building standards and is registered with the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The architectural design of the airport draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The shape of the terminal roof reflects traditional Chuttilu huts and the landscapes of the Araku Valley, while its fluid form symbolizes the graceful movement of a flying fish, blending regional architectural features with contemporary airport design. It is expected that this airport will provide a significant boost to tourism, trade, investment, and employment generation in Andhra Pradesh, while also strengthening air connectivity in the region.
Following this, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for the ASIP semiconductor project in Visakhapatnam, which is being developed with an investment of over ₹460 crore.
