VISAKAPATNAM, AUGUST 01, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram of Andhra Pradesh state on Saturday.
Constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 5,000 crore, the airport will boost connectivity, tourism, trade, investment, and jobs and serve as a gateway for north coastal Andhra Pradesh state. This Greenfield airport has the capacity to handle 6 million passengers annually in the first phase and is expandable to 40 million passengers in future.
The airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The terminal’s roof profile reflects the traditional Chuttilu cottages and the landscapes of the Araku Valley, while its flowing form symbolises the graceful movement of a flying fish, blending regional architectural elements with contemporary airport design.
As per the government, the airport has been equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 technologies, Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling systems and intelligent operational monitoring solutions.
Calling the International Airport a key milestone in the state’s growth story, Prime Minister Modi said that the NDA government was working at double engine speed for the state’s development. The airport premises were adorned with displays celebrating Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, including Etikoppaka artwork and motifs depicting the state’s geographical identity, including temples such as Tirumala.
Earlier, the PM was accorded a grand welcome with 13,500 women performing the traditional Dhimsa dance, which entered the Guinness Book of Records for its feat. Mr Modi watched the Dhimsa dance in an open-top vehicle along with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM K Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister for Aviation K Rammohan Naidu and others.
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