The Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh has reached a significant milestone, with 36 per cent of the work now complete. Union Minister for Civil Aviation recently announced that the project is on track to be finished by June 2026, aligning with the timeline set by Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister.
The development of the airport is advancing swiftly, with key infrastructure components, including the air traffic control tower and terminal building, making notable progress. The Union Minister underscored the federal government’s active oversight of the project to ensure that it adheres to the stipulated deadlines.
Strategically located approximately 50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, the airport is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL). The project entails a comprehensive 40-year design, finance, construction, development, operation, and maintenance agreement, with an optional 20-year extension. Spanning around 2,300 acres and with an estimated investment of Rs4,750 crore, the Bhogapuram airport is set to be a major catalyst for economic growth in North Andhra. This development is part of GMR’s broader strategy to enhance its aviation infrastructure footprint. The new facility is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the region, complementing the existing port and steel industries.
In addition to Bhogapuram, the Union Minister disclosed plans for new airports in Mulapeta (Srikakulam district), Dagadarthi (Nellore district), and Kuppam (Chittoor district) in Andhra Pradesh, as well as Nagarjunasagar in Telangana. Technical feasibility studies are underway at these locations to evaluate their potential. The Bhogapuram airport will also feature a world-class maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facility and an air cargo complex, aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting cargo movement. Expected to generate around 5,000 jobs, the airport will facilitate the export of commodities such as shrimp, bulk drugs, agricultural products, and cashews, thereby strengthening regional trade.
As the project progresses, it promises to increase global connectivity, stimulate industrial growth, and enhance revenue streams for the state, marking a significant leap forward in Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructural development.
