Bhogapuram: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, residents expressed optimism that the project would usher in a new phase of development, improve connectivity, generate employment and strengthen the state’s economy.
Many also expressed gratitude to both the Central and Andhra Pradesh governments for bringing the major infrastructure project to the region.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, a Greenfield airport developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of more than Rs 5,640 crore.
The airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually and is expected to significantly improve air connectivity while boosting tourism, trade, investment and employment opportunities across North Andhra.
Residents believe the airport will emerge as a major catalyst for economic growth by attracting industries and accelerating infrastructure development in the surrounding districts.
Speaking to IANS, Vizianagaram resident and TDP supporter Srinivas said, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is moving towards becoming a developed nation, particularly in sectors such as aviation and electronics. With the vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Prime Minister, along with Andhra Pradesh leaders N. Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan, is working with a clear and determined vision.”
Reflecting on the state’s development trajectory, Srinivas said, “After witnessing the destruction caused during the previous government, we are now seeing how CM Chandrababu Naidu has once again placed the state on the path of development. His earlier Vision 2020 transformed Hyderabad into a global IT hub and Cyberabad, and today he is focussed on driving Andhra Pradesh towards rapid progress.”
He further expressed confidence in the government’s approach, saying, “It is not just our supporters who back this vision — people from all sections of society want to support it. This is not a government that merely makes promises; it is a government that delivers through action. The administration functions with transparency, and every development initiative is visible for everyone to see.”
Speaking about the long-term impact of the airport, Srinivas added, “We are confident that in the coming years, Bhogapuram Airport, along with Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam, will emerge as major centres of development. These projects will generate employment opportunities, boost economic growth, and transform the region. Everyone expects that this vision will certainly become a reality.”
Another resident of Vizianagaram and TDP supporter, Ramu, also welcomed the project and, speaking to IANS, said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Central government was ensuring that investment and development were reaching the region and that the Bhogapuram International Airport was a result of coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government.
According to Ramu, the airport would contribute significantly to the development of nearby areas by attracting industries and expanding economic activity.
“The airport would create a brighter future for children and the next generation by generating employment opportunities for educated youth,” he added.
Vizianagaram resident Vijay Lakshmi also expressed optimism about the state’s future and said people had witnessed positive changes since the NDA government assumed office in Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to IANS, she said, “The future would be even better, with greater opportunities for children, the elderly, and every family. People no longer have any fear and believe that everything will continue to improve. I hope that the state will benefit greatly. The focus should be on bringing industries and creating jobs so that no one remains unemployed and everyone gets opportunities according to their abilities.”
(IANS)
