With the inauguration of the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram fast approaching, elaborate arrangements are underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest public events in Andhra Pradesh this year.

An all party leaders’ meeting was held in Visakhapatnam on Friday to review arrangements and discuss further course of action. The meeting was attended by leaders from Uttarandhra districts including Ministers K. Atchannaidu, V. Anitha, Kondapalli Srinivas, MLAs Kala Venkata Rao, Pusapati Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathi Raju, Kondru Murali Mohan, Lokam Madhavi, AP TDP President Palla Srinivasa Rao, AP BJP President PVN Madhav and others.

The leaders noted that around three lakh people are expected to attend the massive event. They discussed the Prime Minister’s route map, security arrangements, public meeting venue, entry and exit plans, parking facilities, traffic management, drinking water and refreshment arrangements, seating for public representatives, officials and invitees, road connectivity works, and the ongoing infrastructure development activities being executed on a war footing.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Srinivasa Rao directed officials to ensure flawless coordination among all departments and complete all arrangements with utmost precision.

He added that nearly 500 acres have been earmarked for aviation-related activities, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation manufacturing, logistics, and skill development initiatives, positioning North Andhra as a major aviation hub in the country.

The leaders said that the project is expected to accelerate growth in tourism, information technology, industry, and the services sector while creating substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of youth.

Final touches

Officials are giving final touches to the airport, with landscaping works progressing on a war footing. Decorative installations, sculptures and artwork reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Uttarandhra have been incorporated into the airport works.

The airport’s interiors prominently showcase the region’s iconic handicrafts and products, including Etikoppaka toys, Ponduru Khadi and Palasa cashew, offering domestic and international travellers a glimpse of North Andhra’s unique identity.

The airport approach road has already been completed, while the flyover linking National Highway-16 with the airport road is expected to be ready within the next 48 hours.

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad is in Visakhapatnam to personally monitor the arrangements and coordinate with various departments for the successful conduct of the event.

Around 10,000 buses are expected to ferry people from across Andhra Pradesh to Bhogapuram. Farmers from Vizianagaram, who gave up their lands for the airport project have been specially invited to attend the inaugural ceremony in recognition of their contribution.

Although the airport will be formally inaugurated on August 1, commercial flight operations are expected to commence around the middle of August, said officials.

Published - July 24, 2026 09:02 pm IST