Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this week.

The opening of the facility marks a significant expansion of aviation infrastructure in southern India. By increasing accessibility to the region, the government aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the movement of passengers and cargo.

The project cost for the new international airport reached ₹5,640 crore [1]. This investment is part of a broader strategy to modernize transportation networks across the country.

During the event, the Prime Minister toured the facility to inspect the newly built infrastructure. The airport is named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, a figure associated with the region's cultural and historical heritage.

Officials said the airport is intended to boost connectivity for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The facility is expected to serve as a gateway for both domestic and international travel, reducing the reliance on existing hubs in neighboring cities.

The development of the Bhogapuram site is designed to integrate with other urban infrastructure projects. This alignment is intended to create a synergistic effect between air travel and ground transportation to facilitate easier transit for travelers.

By establishing a high-capacity international terminal, the project seeks to attract further commercial investment to the area. The government said such infrastructure projects are critical for long-term regional development.

“The project cost for the new international airport reached ₹5,640 crore.”

The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport signals a strategic shift toward decentralizing aviation hubs in India. By investing heavily in regional airports, the Indian government is attempting to distribute economic activity more evenly across states and reduce congestion at major metropolitan gateways.