Amaravati, July 19 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Greenfield Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh on August 1, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced after reviewing preparations for the event on Saturday.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Naidu described the Bhogapuram International Airport as a crown jewel for North Andhra, saying it would transform the region by enhancing connectivity, creating employment opportunities and accelerating economic growth.

He said the airport would play a key role in the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, drawing parallels with the transformational impact of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the Hyderabad region.

The airport will improve the living standards of local people and generate employment and livelihood opportunities across sections of society, the Chief Minister said, adding that North Andhra was poised for rapid development through irrigation projects, highways, seaports and airports.

Naidu directed officials to ensure that the inauguration ceremony reflects Andhra Pradesh's cultural heritage. He said the welcome programme should showcase the state's tribal traditions and handicrafts and involve students, youth and the public to give the event a festive atmosphere.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, aviation officials and representatives of GMR Airports briefed the Chief Minister on the project's readiness. Officials informed the meeting that all eight mandatory clearances required for operationalisation of the airport have been obtained.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued the aerodrome licence for the airport, and on July 10, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu handed over the licence documents to GMR Airports representatives in New Delhi.

Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd. (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Group, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the airport has been built over about 2,200 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 4,592 crore.

The Centre expects the airport to significantly improve air connectivity in North Coastal Andhra and strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, positioning it as a major economic hub.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar