PM Modi to Launch Bhogapuram Airport Amid Festive Atmosphere

Visakhapatnam:Andhra Pradesh is all set for a landmark moment on Saturday with the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally dedicate the airport to the nation, marking a significant boost to the state’s aviation and infrastructure growth.

The alliance government is projecting the event as transformative for north Andhra, describing the airport as a game-changer for the region’s economy. Officials say three lakh people are being mobilised from across the state for the event, with 5,000 buses -- 2,000 of them RTC vehicles -- readied for transport.

Police estimate that thousands of cars and private vehicles will also converge on Bhogapuram. Thirty IPS officers have been deployed to oversee security, while educational institutions in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts have been given a holiday to ease traffic.

The authorities have urged residents to avoid travel unless necessary, anticipating congestion from the influx of vehicles and crowds.

Cultural programmes are being lined up to greet the PM. A record-breaking performance of the tribal Dhimsa dance is planned, with 14,000 women and girls brought in from districts including Polavaram, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Parvathipuram and Manyam. Its organisers hope to secure a Guinness record for what’s billed as the largest Dhimsa performance ever.

In addition, 30,000 saplings arranged alphabetically across the airport premises will form part of the welcome to the PM. A Kuchipudi dance by 200 students will also be presented upon Modi’s arrival.

The Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport, built on 2,203 acres for `4,750 crore by GMR Group, boasts international standards. Its 3.8-km runway is the fifth longest in the country and can handle large Boeing aircraft.

The terminal, spread over 18 acres, houses 40 check-in counters, modern lounges, escalators, fast scanners, and 12 Digi Yatra pods for seamless entry. Facilities include self-service kiosks, automatic baggage handling, multiple domestic and international security screening sections, and a cargo complex.

An interchange trumpet on the national highway ensures smooth access from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam.

Architecturally, the airport has been designed in the shape of a flying fish, with a large pond opposite the terminal creating the illusion of a dolphin in flight. The air traffic control tower and structures are built to withstand winds of up to 275km per hour. Parking space for 28 aircraft has been provided, with current capacity for 60 lakh passengers annually, expandable to four crores in future.

Traditional arts and crafts of Andhra Pradesh, including Kondapalli dolls, Etikoppaka lacquer toys, Bobbili veenas, and regional produce such as Banginapalli mangoes and Guntur chillies, are showcased within the premises. Decorative lighting inspired by Sankranthi rangoli adds to the ambience.

The PM’s schedule begins with his arrival at 10:45am Saturday. He will be received by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and ministers. A cultural welcome will follow, after which Modi would inspect the airport works. The inauguration ceremony, unveiling of the plaque, launch of development projects and public address are slated between 11:30am and 12:55pm. Modi will depart at 1:10pm by a special flight.

To ease travel, 20 electric buses are being introduced on the Visakhapatnam–Bhogapuram route, while business lounges at nine locations are planned for passengers in the coming months.