India, Aug. 2 -- Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizag Airport, named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, located at Bhogapuram, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation infrastructure journey and strengthening Andhra Pradesh's position as a key economic and connectivity hub.
Strategic Importance
- Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, positioned as the Gateway of the East.
- Strengthens connectivity for northern Andhra Pradesh, coastal belt, and southern Odisha.
- Expected to catalyze investments in data centres, manufacturing, logistics, and technology, with major players like Microsoft, Google, and Reliance already committed nearby.
Development & Scale
- Built on 2,200 acres by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under PPP (DBFOT model).
- Completed ahead of schedule; commercial operations begin 17 August 2026.
- Third Greenfield airport by GMR, seventh overall in its portfolio.
Infrastructure Highlights
- Passenger Terminal: 77,342 sq. m., shaped like the local Parava meenu (flying fish).
- Initial capacity: 6 million passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable to 40+ MPPA.
- Equipped with self-service kiosks, e-gates, advanced baggage systems.
- Runway: 3,800 m Code 4E, parallel taxiway, rapid exits, 18 aircraft stands.
- Resilience: Terminal withstands winds up to 275 kmph; ATC tower up to 295 kmph.
Technology & Innovation
- DigiYatra integration for seamless travel.
- AI-powered Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC) for real-time management.
- Smart systems for traffic, washroom monitoring, and trolley tracking.
Sustainability
- 5 MW solar power plant.
- Green building standards, natural lighting, energy-efficient systems.
Cargo & Logistics
- 5,000 sq. m cargo terminal, 25,000 MT annual capacity.
- Cold-chain facilities for pharmaceuticals, seafood, and......
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.