Runway for growth: PM Modi inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram
Vizianagaram, August 1
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.
"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.
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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Naming it after Alluri Sitarama Raju is such a beautiful tribute. He fought for our people and our land, and now his name will welcome travellers from around the world. This shows that we can modernize while staying connected to our roots. Proud moment for every Telugu person! 🇮🇳
Great infrastructure development, no doubt. But I hope the government also focuses on the surrounding road connectivity and local employment. New airports are good, but if the local youth don't get jobs and the area doesn't develop, it's like building a palace in a desert. Let's see how this actually benefits the common people of Vizianagaram.
As an NRI from Andhra Pradesh living in the US, this is amazing news! Every time I fly back home, I have to coordinate through Hyderabad or Chennai. Having an international airport in Bhogapuram will make visiting my parents in Vizianagaram so much easier. This is exactly the kind of development we need to attract investments and bring the diaspora closer to home.
The terminal building reflecting Andhra Pradesh's cultural identity is such a thoughtful touch! And CM Naidu's witty comment about "the future being that way" made me laugh 😄 At least now we have leadership that's actually building things instead of just making promises. Looking forward to more such projects for our state!
अच्छा प्रयास है सरकार का - but I wish they'd also focus on smaller towns' connectivity. Building a ₹1 lakh crore railway network
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