Naidu Welcomes PM as North Andhra Awaits Take-Off

Vijayawada:Responding on social media platform X to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post on the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday declared that "North Andhra is ready for take-off.

The region, Naidu asserted, is eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's arrival there this morning.

The CM expressed confidence that the airport would herald a new era of development by attracting investments, boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities across north Andhra.

Naidu announced a one-time free air journey for the farmers who voluntarily parted with their lands for the prestigious airport project, describing it as a gesture of gratitude for their sacrifice. The land donor farmers will also be given front-row seats at the PM’s public meeting.

Prime Minister Modi, in his X post, said he would inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on Saturday, describing it as another significant milestone in India's infrastructure development.

Sharing the post, Naidu wrote: "North Andhra is ready for take-off. Modi ji, we are eagerly waiting for your arrival." The airport, he said, would open a new chapter in the region's development and significantly improve connectivity, trade and economic activity.

All arrangements have been completed for the inauguration at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. Besides the PM, the event will be attended by the chief minister as also Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union and state ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives.

Commercial flight operations from the airport are scheduled to commence on August 17. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the coalition government has decided to provide a one-time complimentary flight to every farmer who contributed land for the airport project.

The announcement has struck an emotional chord among the farming community. Several farmers recalled the pain of giving up their ancestral lands but said they now felt immense pride in seeing an international airport rise on those very fields.

Many said future generations would remember with pride that their families had contributed land for a project that promises to transform North Andhra.

Land for the airport was acquired from farmers in seven villages — Gudepuvalasa, Ravada, Kancheru, Kavulavada, A Ravivalasa, Savaravilli and Munjeru — while residents of Rellipeta, Bollinkalapalem, Mudasarlapeta and Maradapalem were rehabilitated as part of the project.