Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram as Andhra Pradesh announced major infrastructure, irrigation and investment projects aimed at transforming North Andhra.
Bhogapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, marking a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh's infrastructure development. During the event, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu declared that the airport, coupled with a series of development projects across North Andhra, would usher in an era of "reverse migration" by creating employment and investment opportunities within the region.
Addressing a massive public gathering after the inauguration, Chandrababu Naidu described the airport as a transformational project that would strengthen global connectivity while accelerating economic growth across North Andhra.
Calling the airport "more than just infrastructure," the Chief Minister said it represented the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people. He dedicated the achievement to the farmers who voluntarily parted with their land for the project, describing them as the true architects of North Andhra's future.
The airport, developed by the GMR Group, is expected to emerge as a major gateway for international investment, tourism, trade and employment. Naming the airport after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Naidu said, was a fitting tribute to one of the region's greatest icons.
Highlighting the region's development trajectory, the Chief Minister said North Andhra had attracted investments worth Rs. 6.13 lakh crore across 189 projects during the last two years, with the potential to generate nearly 5.57 lakh jobs, aided by the Centre's support.
He also announced that eight priority irrigation projects worth Rs. 2,784 crore would be completed within the next three years. The long-pending Neradi Barrage has received approvals and funding, while Godavari waters are scheduled to reach Anakapalli on August 14. The proposed Vamsadhara-Godavari river interlinking project will also be taken up.
According to the Chief Minister, sectors such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, rare earth minerals, highways and spiritual tourism will position North Andhra as one of India's emerging economic hubs.
Naidu thanked the Union Government for extending support to several key projects, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, Amaravati Capital City and the Polavaram Irrigation Project.
He announced that the Polavaram Project would be completed by 2027 and dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Modi, while Phase I of Amaravati would be completed by 2028 and inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the NDA government's governance model, Chandrababu Naidu said the commitment made two years ago to rebuild Andhra Pradesh under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, was steadily becoming a reality.
Praising the Prime Minister's leadership, Naidu said initiatives such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ayushman Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission had significantly strengthened India's economy and enhanced its global standing.
"In my five decades of public life, I have never seen a leader like Narendra Modi," the Chief Minister said, adding that the Prime Minister's "Nation First" approach had earned global recognition for India.
As Chandrababu Naidu raised the slogan "Thank You Modiji" during his speech, lakhs of people at the venue echoed the slogan in unison.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi inspected the airport terminal, passenger amenities, check-in facilities and advanced technology systems. Officials briefed him on the airport's master plan, future aviation hub and Aerocity development plans. He also viewed exhibits showcasing North Andhra's cultural heritage and prominent pilgrimage destinations and was welcomed with traditional Dhimsa performances.
The Chief Minister felicitated the Prime Minister with a Ponduru Khadi shawl, while Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh presented him with the renowned Bobbili Veena as a symbol of the region's rich artistic heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi praised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his efforts in attracting investments and promoting industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh.
Reaffirming the Centre's commitment to the state's development, the Prime Minister said the Union and State governments were working together under a "double-engine government" to accelerate investment, manufacturing, exports and employment.
"The path to prosperity is through investment, production, exports and employment," Modi said, adding that Andhra Pradesh was progressing rapidly under Chandrababu Naidu's leadership.
