VISHAKAPATNAM- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (BHO) at Bhogapuram near Visakhapatnam (VTZ) in Andhra Pradesh. The Rs 5,000 crore greenfield airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, tourism, trade, and cargo operations across North Andhra.
The airport, developed by GMR Airports under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has been designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase, with long-term plans to expand capacity to 40 million passengers per year.
Bhogapuram Airport Opens as Andhra Pradesh’s New Aviation Gateway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the terminal building of the newly developed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (BHO) on Saturday. Located in Vizianagaram district near Visakhapatnam (VTZ), the airport represents one of Andhra Pradesh’s largest aviation infrastructure projects.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister toured the terminal alongside Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.
Apart from inaugurating the airport, Modi also laid the foundation stone for and dedicated multiple infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 18,000 crore, including semiconductor manufacturing facilities, national highway developments, and power transmission projects.
The airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework through the Public-Private Partnership model.
Among India’s Fastest Greenfield Airport Projects
According to official information, Bhogapuram Airport is among the fastest-completed greenfield international airports in India, finishing nearly five months ahead of schedule.
Before its inauguration, the airport received the mandatory Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aerodrome licence along with all required safety, fire safety, and environmental approvals.
The integrated airport project spans 2,703.26 acres, including:
- Airport infrastructure across 2,203.32 acres
- A proposed 500-acre aviation hub
- Aviation University and EduCity spread over 136.63 acres
- Commercial development areas
- Residential zones
- Internal roads and supporting infrastructure
This large-scale master plan positions the airport as a long-term aviation and economic development center for the region.
Designed for Future Passenger Growth
The first phase of the airport has an annual passenger handling capacity of six million travelers.
Its long-term master plan allows expansion to 40 million passengers annually, ensuring sufficient capacity to support future domestic and international traffic growth.
A major infrastructure highlight is the 3,800-metre Code E runway, enabling operations by large wide-body aircraft including:
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A340
The runway allows airlines to operate long-haul international services while supporting future expansion into additional overseas markets.
Modern Passenger Facilities and Smart Airport Technology
The terminal incorporates several advanced technologies designed to improve operational efficiency and passenger convenience.
Key features include:
- Contact boarding bridges
- Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS)
- Self-service check-in facilities
- Self-baggage drop systems
- Smart surveillance technology
- Integrated security management systems
- Access control systems
- Integrated Operational Control and Monitoring Centre
These technologies are intended to reduce processing times while improving overall passenger experience.
Cargo Hub to Support North Andhra’s Economy
Beyond passenger operations, Bhogapuram Airport has been designed to become an important cargo gateway for eastern India.
Its cargo terminal will have an annual handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes.
Specialized temperature-controlled cold chain facilities will support exports of:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Marine products
- Agricultural produce
- Other high-value perishable goods
The airport’s planned integration with Visakhapatnam Port, industrial corridors, and regional logistics infrastructure is expected to strengthen exports while improving supply chain efficiency.
Government officials expect the airport to boost industrial investment, manufacturing, tourism, aerospace, defence activities, and employment across the districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
Sustainable Design Reflects Andhra Pradesh’s Heritage
The airport combines sustainability with regional architecture.
The terminal has been developed according to LEED Platinum standards, with approximately 30 percent of its water requirement expected to be met through recycled water systems.
Architecturally, the building reflects Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity.
The roof profile draws inspiration from traditional Chuttilu cottages found in the Araku Valley, while the overall terminal form resembles a flying fish, symbolizing the Bay of Bengal and North Andhra’s maritime heritage.
Traditional Rangoli-inspired design elements have also been incorporated into the roof and interior ceiling.
State Government Backed Critical Infrastructure
The Andhra Pradesh government invested approximately Rs 1,583 crore toward supporting infrastructure required for the airport project.
This investment covered:
- Land acquisition
- Water supply systems
- Power infrastructure
- Connectivity roads
- Canal works
- Other supporting public infrastructure
These investments complemented the airport’s development under the PPP model and helped accelerate project completion.
A Major Boost for Regional Connectivity
The inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure.
With modern passenger facilities, a wide-body capable runway, dedicated cargo infrastructure, and a long-term expansion strategy, Bhogapuram Airport is expected to become an important aviation gateway for India’s east coast.
Its strategic location near Visakhapatnam and integration with ports, highways, and industrial corridors position it to support regional economic growth while strengthening domestic and international air connectivity for decades to come.
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