kiranmai tutika I amaravati

The government of Andhra Pradesh, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has initiated plans to establish seven new airports in the state to bolster connectivity and cater to the growing demands of its citizens.

In a high-level review meeting held at his residence in Undavalli, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of ongoing airport expansion projects and new developments, including the much-anticipated Bhogapuram International Airport.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh has seven operational airports, including those in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Kadapa, Rajahmundry, and Gannavaram managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The Kurnool Airport is operated by the state government, while the Puttaparthi Airstrip functions as a private facility. In addition to these, the Bhogapuram International Airport is nearing completion.

To meet the state’s growing aviation needs, the government has now greenlit the development of seven additional airports at various strategic locations: Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni-Annavaram, and Ongole.

Plans for Kuppam Airport are advancing, with a feasibility report already prepared. The project will span two phases, covering a total of 1,250 acres, 683 acres in the first phase and 567 acres in the second.

However, officials noted the need to address airspace constraints due to the proximity of IAF, HAL, and Bengaluru International Airport. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities are required to proceed further.

The feasibility survey for Srikakulam Airport is complete, and land acquisition has commenced. The airport will span 1,383 acres across two phases, with 680 acres earmarked for Phase 1 and 536 acres for Phase 2.

Similarly, Dagadarthi Airport, conceptualized during the previous TDP regime, is planned across 1,379 acres, with 635 acres already acquired. The remaining 745 acres are under acquisition.

The airport has all necessary approvals and is strategically positioned to serve the industrial needs of the region, including a proposed BPCL refinery.

The Tadepalligudem project will span 1,123 acres, though feasibility studies are underway to assess its viability due to its proximity to Rajahmundry and Gannavaram airports. For Ongole, 657 acres have been identified, with a feasibility study yet to be conducted.

Also, a proposed airport near Nagarjuna Sagar will cover 1,670 acres, requiring the acquisition of 500 acres. Forest clearance is also necessary for this project.

In regard to Tuni-Annavaram Airport, which is planned on 757 acres, this airport is strategically located near railway lines, highways, and water bodies. Officials highlighted the growing industrial development in the Anakapalli district, including a steel plant and other industrial hubs, underscoring the need for an airport in the region.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of ongoing expansion works at Gannavaram Airport. AAI officials presented designs for a new terminal inspired by the themes of Kuchipudi dance and Amaravati stupas. The CM directed them to complete the expansion within six months and make the terminal operational by June.