Launch at Bhogapuram Airport: CM Naidu heads to Delhi to invite PM Modi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. PHOTO FILE | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will leave for Delhi on Wednesday to formally invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the Alluri Sitaram Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, scheduled for August 1.

During the visit, Mr Naidu is also expected to call on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Manohar Lal Khattar and CR Patil. It will depart from Amaravati at 7:30 AM and reach Delhi at 10:00 AM. Mr Naidu will stay overnight and return to the State Secretariat at 10.20am on Thursday.

After reviewing the arrangements with senior officials at the inauguration on Monday evening, Mr. Naidu ordered the event to be held on a grand scale, with a traditional welcome by the Prime Minister showcasing the cultural heritage of North Andhra. He said that once operational, the airport would become the “jewel of North Andhra”.

Officials informed him that apart from the passenger terminal building, the Prime Minister will also formally inaugurate the GMR Skill Development Centre, Aviation Hub-University and GMR-MANSAS Edu City.

Describing the airport as a landmark project, Mr Naidu said it would act as a logistics hub, provide global connectivity and serve as a “game changer” for the state’s economic growth.

The Chief Minister further directed the officials to appreciate the farmers and landowners who had given up their land for the project and offered them a one-time free airlift opportunity. He also asked for comprehensive measures, including traffic diversions, dedicated parking and security, along with adequate facilities for the public.

He directed the officials to launch a massive publicity campaign at the airport from July 22 to July 31 and plan awareness programs in North Andhra districts for the next ten days. He suggested that this opportunity be used to strengthen the ‘Araku Coffee’ brand, which is being promoted by Mr. Modi on international platforms. All members of the public from the region were asked to participate in the preparatory programs.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 21:02 IST