Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan: Bhogapuram Airport Marks New Chapter in Andhra Pradesh Development
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has said that the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district marks a new chapter in the state's development. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on August 1, 2026, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support to Andhra Pradesh.
“It is remarkable that large-scale development works are being launched at the hands of Mr. Modi. These projects will enhance road connectivity and improve the supply chain for industries in the energy sector. This will lead to abundant employment opportunities in the region,” Mr. Pawan Kalyan said. He added that Mr. Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat aims to propel the country forward across all sectors.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted that approvals had been secured for ₹50,000 crore for Amaravati and ₹13,400 crore for projects in the Rayalaseema region. He noted that the establishment of the South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam fulfils the long-standing aspirations of people in North Andhra.
In his address, Human Resource Development Minister N. Lokesh criticised the opposition YSRCP for belittling the North Andhra region and questioning the need for an airport at Bhogapuram. “Some people had questioned the need for an airport in a region where even an RTC bus does not ply. An airport has been established here today and an Airbus has arrived. The Prime Minister himself has arrived to a place where they said a bus will not come,” Mr. Lokesh said.
He described the inauguration as a convergence of the Prime Minister's Viksit Bharat vision and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's development agenda. He recalled that Alluri Sitarama Raju, after whom the airport is named, fought for freedom on this soil. “Today marks not just the inauguration of an airport; it is the day our Prime Minister has given wings to North Andhra's dreams. This airport stands as a testament to the farmers' sacrifices, the workers' toil, and Mr. Naidu's vision,” he said.
Mr. Lokesh highlighted achievements under what he called the “Double-Engine Sarkar,” stating that the state's largest airport was completed in record time. He also mentioned that funds were provided for the Polavaram irrigation project and the construction of the Amaravati capital city, which he described as lifelines of Andhra Pradesh. He further listed the Visakhapatnam railway zone, a special package for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a High Court Bench in Kurnool, and projects such as a Google Data Centre, an ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel plant, and an AMCA fighter jet unit as benefits brought to the state through the central government.
The airport inauguration is seen as a major infrastructure milestone for Andhra Pradesh, which has been seeking central investment and support for development projects. The event brought together leaders from the ruling party to showcase progress, while also drawing political criticism from opposition factions. As the airport begins operations, it is expected to improve connectivity and boost economic activity in the northern part of the state.
