VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has suggested exploring the possibility of establishing a Civil Aviation University in Visakhapatnam. He underscored the need to enhance flight connectivity from airports in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to various cities in India and abroad.
Chairing a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Wednesday, he reviewed the progress of Vijayawada International Airport terminal construction. Minister for Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu, senior ministry officials, and the Chairman of Airports Authority of India participated in the meeting virtually.
Naidu instructed that the terminal’s architectural design be visually striking and unique. He directed the airport authorities to ensure that various components like the terminal elevation, departure and arrival blocks, and passenger lounges reflect Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. Elements such as Kuchipudi dance, Kondapalli toys, Amaravati emblems, and Lepakshi art should be incorporated into the design, Naidu said.
He also issued clear instructions regarding the construction of the terminal building, including the ramp connection to the national highway. Additionally, Naidu also reviewed the progress of terminal works of Kadapa and Rajamahendravaram airports.
Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Chief Minister that technical feasibility studies are underway for new airports at Dagadarthi, Kuppam and Palasa. Regarding the proposed Amaravati Airport, he said land survey is in progress and the RITES team will submit a report soon.
Operations at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports have grown by nearly 40%, and there is an increased interest from operators to expand connectivity from Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram and Kurnool. He revealed that TruJet is set to launch flight services from Vizag to various cities from October, and that flights between Vijayawada-Singapore and Tirupati-Muscat will commence soon. Seaplane operations are expected to begin after September, he added.