VIZIANAGARAM: The stage is set for the grand inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, marking a landmark milestone for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL)—a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited—the greenfield international airport is expected to transform the region’s economic landscape by bolstering global connectivity, driving industrial investment, and boosting tourism potential.
Ahead of the event, the State government conducted a multi-district campaign titled “Uttarandhra Kalalaku Rekkalu” (Wings to the Dreams of North Andhra), engaging local youth, students, and Non-Resident Telugus through sports, runs, and cultural contests across six districts to build awareness around how the project will reshape the region.
To mark the occasion, elaborate arrangements and a rich cultural reception reflecting Andhra Pradesh’s heritage have been put in place. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister will be greeted by a performance featuring 200 Kuchipudi dancers at the terminal building.
As he proceeds in an open-top vehicle toward the public meeting venue, over 14,000 tribal girls will greet him with a performance of the traditional Dhimsa folk dance on a single stage—an event expected to set a Guinness World Record.
A massive turnout of three lakh people from 36 Assembly segments across six districts is anticipated at the 70-acre meeting venue located directly opposite the terminal building.
The venue has been outfitted with rain-proof German hanger tents, LED screens, and comprehensive amenities.
Project a big boost to regional growth: PM
To facilitate public transit, authorities have deployed 5,000 State buses alongside nearly 7,000 private and VIP vehicles.
According to the official schedule, Modi will arrive by a special flight from New Delhi at 10:45 a.m. He will be received by Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, and other senior officials.
During his visit spanning nearly two and a half hours, Modi will inspect the terminal amenities, officially inaugurate the airport, and unveil foundation plaques for key development projects worth Rs 17,883 crore across the roads, national highways, energy, and infrastructure sectors. To ensure the high-profile event proceeds smoothly, a robust four-tier security shield has been deployed across the airport and surrounding areas.
Over 7,000 police personnel, including 30 IPS officers, Greyhounds, OCTOPUS anti-terror units, and dedicated crime squads equipped with metal detectors—have been stationed to oversee security, crowd management, and traffic flow. All key State departments, including police, revenue, transport, electricity, tourism, and health, have been working in coordination for weeks to prepare the venue. Ahead of his visit, Modi shared a post on ‘X’ calling the airport project a big boost to infrastructure and regional growth.
“This is a modern and futuristic airport that will boost connectivity, commerce and tourism. This project also incorporates principles of sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Reposting the Prime Minister’s message, Naidu expressed readiness to welcome him, asserting that the development of North Coastal Andhra is poised to take off with the opening of this world-class aviation hub.