AP CM Naidu says Bhogapuram airport to drive North Andhra’s transformation
Bhogapuram (Vizianagaram dist.), Aug 1 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram would usher in a new phase of economic growth, investment and employment in North Andhra and pave the way for reverse migration to the region.
Addressing a public meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport, Naidu said the project marked the beginning of a new chapter of development and global connectivity for North Andhra.
Describing the airport as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream, the Chief Minister dedicated the project to the farmers who had voluntarily parted with their land for its construction.
He said naming the airport after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju was a fitting tribute to the tribal icon.
Naidu said the airport, developed by the GMR Group, would emerge as a gateway for international investment, tourism, trade and employment.
Highlighting the region’s development, he said North Andhra had attracted investments worth ₹6.13 lakh crore across 189 projects during the past two years, with the potential to generate 5.57 lakh jobs, with support from the Centre.
The Chief Minister announced that eight priority irrigation projects worth ₹2,784 crore would be completed within three years.
He said the Neradi barrage had received approvals and funding, Godavari waters would reach Anakapalli by August 14, and the proposed Vamsadhara-Godavari river-linking project would also be taken up.
He said sectors such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, rare earth minerals, highways and spiritual tourism would drive the region’s future growth.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Naidu said the Centre had extended support for key projects, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, Amaravati and the Polavaram Irrigation Project.
He announced that the Polavaram project would be completed by 2027 and dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, while the first phase of Amaravati would be completed by 2028.
Praising Modi’s leadership, Naidu described him as “the right leader at the right time” and credited initiatives such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ayushman Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission with strengthening India’s economy and global standing.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi inspected the airport terminal and passenger facilities and reviewed plans for the proposed aviation hub and aerocity.
He also viewed exhibits showcasing the cultural heritage and pilgrimage destinations of North Andhra and was welcomed with traditional Dhimsa dance performances.
Naidu presented the Prime Minister with a Ponduru Khadi shawl, while Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh presented him with a Bobbili Veena.
Addressing the gathering, Modi praised Naidu’s efforts to attract investments and promote industrialisation in Andhra Pradesh.
Assuring the Centre’s continued support, Modi said the “double-engine government” at the Centre and the state was working to accelerate investment, production, exports and employment, and added that Andhra Pradesh was progressing rapidly under Naidu’s leadership.
TNT TS
