Andhra to get new international airport on August 1

Dhaka: The South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is set to inaugurate its newest airport, Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram, on August 1, marking a major milestone for connectivity in the state's northern coastal region.

The greenfield facility has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd. It is designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase, with room to expand capacity to more than 40 million passengers in later stages.

The airport includes a 3,800-meter Code 4E runway, an integrated terminal building, cargo handling facilities, and modern airside infrastructure capable of supporting both domestic and international flights.

Local media reports said all required regulatory approvals have reportedly been secured, including the aerodrome license from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearance from the bureau of civil aviation security, customs and immigration notifications, and environmental permits, clearing the way for commercial operations to begin right after the launch.

Located close to Visakhapatnam, the airport is expected to serve the city along with Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts, as well as parts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Authorities anticipate it will bolster the broader Visakhapatnam Economic Region by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, and fresh investment.

Officials have fast-tracked road connectivity ahead of the launch, with seven approach roads and expanded public transport links being finalized to ease passenger access to the new gateway.

Beyond passenger operations, the airport's cargo capacity and closeness to nearby industrial zones are expected to support exports from the pharmaceuticals, seafood, electronics, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The project has also incorporated sustainability features, including renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient infrastructure, as part of its overall design.