Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has asserted that inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district marks a new chapter in the development of the State.

Speaking at the inaugural of the airport on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), Mr. Pawan Kalyan lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support to the development of 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 observed.

“Mr. Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat embodies the goal of propelling the country forward across all the sectors. In addition to the massive development works previously launched in Visakhapatnam, the projects now being launched such as the Green Hydrogen Hub and national highways are laying a strong foundation for the State’s development,” Mr. Pawan Kalyan said.

Approvals had been secured for ₹50,000 crore for Amaravati and ₹13,400 crore for projects dedicated to the development of the Rayalaseema region. The establishment of the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone in Visakhapatnam was set to fulfil decades-long aspirations of the people of North Andhra, he said.

Lokesh’s dig at YSRCP

In his address, HRD Minister N. Lokesh criticised the 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. NaMo himself has arrived to a place where they said a bus will not come,” Mr. Lokesh said.

“From this day, the entire world will speak of North Andhra’s history and spirit. Today marks not just the inauguration of an airport; it is the day our NaMo’s Viksit Bharat vision converges with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision. While Alluri Sitarama Raju fought for freedom on this soil, it is our NaMo who 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.

Highlighting the achievements under the “Double-Engine Sarkar,” Mr. Lokesh said they had completed the State’s largest airport in record time, and funds were provided to complete the Polavaram irrigation project and Amaravati capital city works, the lifelines of Andhra Pradesh.

“Visakhapatnam railway zone has been established. The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has been safeguarded through a special package. A High Court Bench is also being set up in Kurnool. Thanks to NaMo, projects such as the Google Data Centre, the ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel Plant, and the AMCA fighter jet unit have come to our State,” he said.

Published - August 01, 2026 06:36 pm IST