Andhra Pradesh has marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its first greenfield international airport since the bifurcation in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport located at Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district on Saturday, August 1, 2026, an event anticipated to bolster the state’s infrastructure and economy.
The airport, developed at a substantial investment of over ₹5,640 crore by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited through a public-private partnership, aims to accommodate up to six million passengers annually in its initial phase. PM Modi is expected to arrive at the venue by 10:45 a.m., inaugurate the terminal at 10:58 a.m., inspect the facilities, and subsequently address a public gathering. He will be welcomed by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Infrastructure Boost with Major Projects
In addition to the airport, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for various projects valued at over ₹17,900 crore across Andhra Pradesh. Among these initiatives are a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, transmission works aimed at enhancing renewable energy zones in Kurnool and Anantapur, and the development of four national highway projects. These strategic investments are expected to significantly elevate the economic landscape of the region.
Scheduled commercial flights at the Bhogapuram airport are set to commence on August 17, coinciding with the cessation of civil operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport, thereby paving the way for improved air connectivity.
Modi’s First Public Event Post-Protests
This occasion also marks Prime Minister Modi’s first public engagement after the recent protests held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, highlighting its importance in the current political context.
The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s growth and development efforts post-bifurcation, and the anticipated influx of both domestic and international travelers is expected to positively impact the state’s economy.
