Bhogapuram(AndhraPradesh), 01 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone in the state's aviation infrastructure. Built at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore, the airport is Andhra Pradesh's third international airport and is expected to strengthen regional connectivity while accelerating economic development in North Andhra.

Developed in Vizianagaram district, the airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase. Future expansion plans aim to increase its capacity to 40 million passengers per year, making it one of the state's key aviation hubs.

The airport incorporates several advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled systems, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 solutions, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), and biometric passenger processing facilities to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Architecturally, the terminal reflects Andhra Pradesh's cultural heritage. Its roof design is inspired by traditional Chuttilu cottages, while the overall aesthetic draws from the scenic landscapes of the Araku Valley.

Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi inspected the terminal along with Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

During his visit, the Prime Minister is also inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth nearly ₹18,000 crore across sectors such as semiconductors, power transmission, and national highways.

Among the major initiatives is the foundation stone for the ₹460-crore ASIP Semiconductor Project in Visakhapatnam. The facility, being developed by ASIP Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with South Korea's APACT, is the first semiconductor manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. Once operational, the plant is expected to manufacture nearly 96 million semiconductor chips annually while supporting the growth of a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

In the power sector, the Prime Minister is laying the foundation stone for the transmission system to integrate the Kurnool-IV Renewable Energy Zone (Phase-I), a 4.5 GW project being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) at an estimated cost of ₹5,550 crore. He is also dedicating several transmission projects linked to renewable energy zones in Kurnool and Ananthapuram to strengthen the state's green energy infrastructure.

Additionally, the Prime Minister is dedicating and launching National Highway projects worth more than ₹1,880 crore. These include a four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway from Recherla to Guruvayigudem on NH-365 BG and a high-level bridge at Lingasamudram on the Penchalakona–Yerpedu section of NH-565, aimed at improving regional connectivity and facilitating faster movement of people and goods.

At the public programme following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi received a traditional welcome from more than 13,500 tribal women and students, who performed the Dhimsa folk dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

The projects launched during the visit are expected to strengthen aviation infrastructure, boost industrial investment, enhance renewable energy transmission, improve road connectivity, and create significant employment opportunities across the state, contributing to Andhra Pradesh's long-term economic growth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar