PM Modi to inaugurate Bhogapuram's ASRIA airport on Aug 1

The countdown has begun for the inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (ASRIA) at Bhogapuram, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to dedicate Andhra Pradesh's newest international airport to the nation on August 1, 2026. The opening marks the culmination of one of India's most significant greenfield airport projects and is expected to usher in a new era of passenger connectivity, air cargo growth and regional economic development across North Coastal Andhra.

Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the airport has been built with an initial passenger handling capacity of 6 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with expansion planned to more than 40 MPPA in subsequent phases. The project has been developed on approximately 2,203 acres near Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.

The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, one of the longest in India, capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330. It also includes a modern integrated passenger terminal, dedicated cargo facilities and advanced airside infrastructure to support both domestic and international operations.

Ahead of its inauguration, the airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory approvals required for commercial operations, including the Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security clearances from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), notification as an Immigration Check Post (ICP), Customs notification under the Customs Act, Consent to Operate from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and other mandatory operational approvals.

Once operational, the airport will become the primary aviation gateway for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and adjoining districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Beyond enhancing passenger connectivity, the airport is expected to significantly strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by supporting tourism, manufacturing, trade and investment. Its dedicated cargo terminal and proximity to industrial corridors are expected to improve export logistics for industries including pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood processing, information technology and advanced manufacturing.

Western-style logistics infrastructure, dedicated freight facilities and seamless highway connectivity are expected to position Bhogapuram as an emerging cargo gateway on India's east coast. The cargo infrastructure has been designed to support future growth in air freight while improving supply chain efficiency for exporters across the region.

To facilitate access, the Central and Andhra Pradesh governments have accelerated the development of seven approach roads, highway upgrades and public transport links connecting the airport with Visakhapatnam and neighbouring districts.

The airport has also been developed with sustainability at its core, incorporating renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible infrastructure to support long-term resilient operations.

With final operational preparations underway, government agencies, regulators and airport stakeholders are working to ensure a smooth transition to commercial services. The inauguration represents a landmark milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation infrastructure, reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as the Gateway to the East while creating new opportunities for passengers, exporters, logistics providers and investors.

GMR Airports Limited (formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited) is one of the world's largest private airport operators, managing airport assets across India and Southeast Asia. The company currently operates Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan airports, while developing major greenfield airport projects including Bhogapuram in India and Crete in Greece. During FY26, GMR Airports handled more than 121 million passengers across its airport network and also operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility through GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited.