Vizianagaram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district, describing it as a "historic project" that would improve the connectivity and development pace of Andhra Pradesh.

In an X post, PM Modi said that the airport, which is named after the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, reflects pride in the Indian heritage.

నా మిత్రుడు శ్రీ చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు గారి నాయకత్వంలో ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్, భవిష్యత్తును దృష్టిలో ఉంచుకొని గొప్ప ఉత్సాహంతో ముందుకు సాగుతోంది. సెమీకండక్టర్లు, ఐటీ, ఆవిష్కరణలు వంటి రంగాల్లో రాష్ట్రం ఎంతో కృషి చేస్తోంది. దీనివల్ల రాష్ట్ర యువతకు విశేష ప్రయోజనం చేకూరుతుంది.@ncbn pic.twitter.com/zMpc1laK83

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2026

"It is a matter of great joy to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram. This is a historic project that will strengthen connectivity and accelerate the development of Andhra Pradesh. This airport, integrating state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, will provide passengers with a comfortable travel experience. It will give a significant boost to tourism, commerce, investments, and employment. The terminal building here also reflects the cultural identity of Andhra Pradesh. This airport, named after the legendary Alluri Sitarama Raju, reflects pride in our heritage and an optimistic vision for our future," said the PM.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who was also present at the inauguration, made a witty post with a picture as he points towards the new airport, saying, "The future? Yeah... it's that way!"

Speaking at the airport's inauguration, the Prime Minister had stressed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is working towards the growth and development of the State at double speed.

"Andhra Pradesh has always possessed the potential to become a growth engine for 'Viksit Bharat'. To ensure that our efforts for the state's development moved forward at the speed of a 'double engine,' I had sought the people's mandate for a 'double-engine government.' Today, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, the entire NDA team is working for Andhra Pradesh at double the speed," he said.

The Prime Minister further added that railway projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are currently underway in the State to bridge the gap between regional industrial hubs.

"To ensure seamless connectivity between this region and the country's major industrial hubs, railway projects worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore are currently underway in Andhra Pradesh. The state's entire rail network has been electrified, and more than seventy railway stations here are being modernised," he said.

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The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport 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, a release said.

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.