Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) International Airport in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh today [1].
The opening of the greenfield facility marks a significant expansion of aviation infrastructure in the region. By providing a new international gateway, the project is intended to stimulate economic development and improve regional connectivity [2].
The project was completed with an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore [3]. In its first phase, the airport is designed to handle approximately six million passengers annually [4]. This addition makes it the third international airport for the state of Andhra Pradesh [5].
Reports on the timing of the event varied across outlets. While some sources indicated the inauguration was likely to occur in the third week of July 2024 [6], other reports scheduled the event for Aug. 1, 2024 [1].
The airport is named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, reflecting a commitment to local heritage alongside modern infrastructure. The facility is expected to serve as a hub for both commercial travel and cargo, reducing the reliance on existing airports in the state [2].
“The project was completed with an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore.”
The establishment of the Bhogapuram International Airport represents a strategic move to decentralize aviation traffic in Andhra Pradesh. By increasing passenger capacity and introducing a new international entry point, the government aims to attract foreign investment and facilitate trade in the Vizianagaram district, shifting economic activity toward previously underserved areas of the state.
