PM Modi Inaugurates Bhogapuram Airport, Calls It a Launchpad for Andhra’s Future
Bhogapuram International Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand ceremony on Friday, marking a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure development. Describing the airport as a “launchpad” for the bright future of Andhra Pradesh’s youth, Modi said the project would transform North Andhra by improving connectivity, attracting investments, and creating new employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister addressed a massive public gathering after dedicating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport to the nation. Beginning his speech with “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and greeting the audience in Telugu, Modi said it was his privilege to visit the sacred land of North Andhra. He added that the airport would serve as a runway for regional development and help accelerate the state’s economic growth.
Bhogapuram International Airport to Boost North Andhra Development
Prime Minister Modi said the new airport would significantly strengthen air connectivity in North Andhra while opening doors for industries, tourism, logistics, and international investments. He noted that improved infrastructure would create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the youth of Andhra Pradesh.
He also announced that development projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore were launched during the event. According to the Prime Minister, these projects will improve both air and road connectivity and further strengthen the state’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Modi Praises Chandrababu Naidu’s Vision
Modi praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his long-term vision in driving Andhra Pradesh’s development. He described the airport as a reflection of the state’s ambitious growth plans and said such world-class infrastructure projects would help Andhra Pradesh emerge as a major investment destination.
The Prime Minister also said inaugurating an international airport named after legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju on the land where he fought for India’s freedom was a matter of great pride.
Grand Cultural Welcome Impresses Prime Minister
One of the major attractions of the inauguration ceremony was the spectacular Thimsa dance performed by nearly 13,000 tribal women and students dressed in traditional attire. Prime Minister Modi watched the performance while travelling in a special vehicle and appreciated the artists for showcasing the rich tribal culture of North Andhra.
Traditional folk performances, including the famous Thappeta Gullu dance from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, added cultural grandeur to the event.
Leaders Hail Historic Development
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan thanked Prime Minister Modi for supporting Andhra Pradesh’s development and said naming the airport after Alluri Sitarama Raju was a fitting tribute to the revolutionary freedom fighter.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the airport would place North Andhra on the global investment map. He remarked that the region, once known mainly for its road transport, had now entered a new era of international connectivity.
Minister Nara Lokesh also said the airport fulfilled a long-pending aspiration of North Andhra and expressed confidence that it would transform the economic landscape of the region.
A Major Boost for Andhra Pradesh
Constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹5,600 crore, the Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to become one of Andhra Pradesh’s most important aviation hubs. With modern infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, the airport is set to boost tourism, trade, industrial growth, and employment while strengthening the state’s position as a key investment destination in India.
