Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 1, 2026) inaugurated the newly developed Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, marking a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu. Several senior officials, dignitaries, and representatives of the GMR Group, the developer of the airport, were also present on the occasion.
An aerial picture of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport ahead of its inauguration, in Bhogapuram. Photo
During the inauguration, representatives from the GMR Group briefed the Prime Minister on the airport’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, passenger facilities, technological advancements, and sustainable design features. They also provided insights into the project’s construction, operational capabilities, and its expected role in boosting tourism, trade, investment, and economic development in the region.
, facilitate faster movement of passengers and cargo, and serve as the state’s long-term economic growth and infrastructure development.
Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at a cost of over Rs 5,640 crore, the Greenfield airport has been designed to handle 6 million passengers annually.
The passenger terminal building has been designed to provide a modern, seamless and efficient travel experience. The airport incorporates advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and sustainable features to enhance operational efficiency and meet future aviation requirements.
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. These systems are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger convenience and safety, and optimise resource utilisation.
Read updates from PM Modi’s visit to Andhra Pradesh on August 1, 2026
The project incorporates several sustainability features, including energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, smart building management systems, 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 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
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. The airport is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, trade, investment and employment generation in Andhra Pradesh while strengthening air connectivity in the region.
