Cabinet Nod for Dagadarthi Airport; Big Boost for Nellore
Once completed, Dagadarthi will become the eighth airport in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the government’s push to create a future-ready, multimodal logistics and industrial ecosystem
VIJAYAWADA: In a major fillip to Andhra Pradesh’s aviation and industrial growth ambitions, the AP Cabinet has approved development of the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport in Nellore district.
Once completed, Dagadarthi will become the eighth airport in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the government’s push to create a future-ready, multimodal logistics and industrial ecosystem.
The Cabinet’s approval has once again underscored AP’s emphasis on speed, scale and certainty in infrastructure development, laying a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, improved regional connectivity and enhanced global linkages.
The proposed airport is located strategically with seamless access to key national highway corridors, two major ports — Krishnapatnam and Ramayapatnam — and prominent industrial clusters, such as KRIS City and IFFCO Special Economic Zone.
Such unique convergence of air, road and port connectivity is expected to position Dagadarthi as a vital location for manufacturing, exports, agri-logistics and services-driven growth in southern Andhra Pradesh.
The project has already secured in-principle clearance from the ministry of civil aviation. AP government has also issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting private players to participate in the development, operation and maintenance of the Green airport under a long-term concession framework, reflecting the government’s intent to fast-track execution through public-private partnership.
Planned in multiple phases, the airport will be developed over an extent of 1,332.80 acres. Phase-I has been designed to handle 1.4 million passengers per annum, with the master plan allowing scalability up to 15 million passengers annually. Provision has also been made for a dedicated cargo facility in future, in tune with the region’s expanding industrial output and port-led trade potential.
Officials said Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport is envisaged as more than just an aviation facility. By integrating air connectivity with ports, highways and industrial zones, the project is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs for exporters and manufacturers. The area will thus attract fresh investments in industry, warehousing and services. In addition, it will generate substantial employment in construction, aviation, logistics and allied sectors.