Prime Minister Modi Launches Rs 17900 Crore Development Projects in Andhra Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than Rs 17900 crore in Andhra Pradesh, describing the initiatives as a major step towards accelerating the vision of a prosperous and developed state. The projects span aviation, highways, renewable energy, power transmission and semiconductor manufacturing.

The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 5000 crore, the airport has become Andhra Pradesh’s third international airport and is expected to play a key role in boosting connectivity and economic growth in the northern part of the state.

Named after freedom fighter and tribal icon Alluri Sitarama Raju, the airport has an initial annual passenger handling capacity of six million. Authorities have also planned future expansion to accommodate up to 40 million passengers annually as demand increases over the coming years.

Addressing a large public gathering in Bhogapuram, the Prime Minister said the airport stands on the land associated with Alluri Sitarama Raju’s struggle for tribal rights. He described it as a new runway for the development of North Andhra and a launchpad for opportunities for the state’s youth.

Modi also used the occasion to speak about the naming of public infrastructure. Without directly naming any political party, he remarked that there was once a tradition of naming airports after members of a single family. He said his government had changed that approach by honouring national personalities such as Maharishi Valmiki, Sant Ravidas and now Alluri Sitarama Raju.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Government, the airport has been equipped with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence based systems, Building Information Modelling, Airside 40 solutions and biometric passenger processing to provide a modern travel experience.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated Andhra Pradesh’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. The plant is expected to produce nearly 96 million chips every year and is seen as a significant step towards building a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in the state while creating high value employment opportunities.

In the energy sector, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Kurnool IVC Renewable Energy Zone power transmission project worth Rs 5550 crore. Designed to support 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy generation, the project will strengthen the transmission network connected to wind and solar power installations in Kurnool and Anantapur districts.

Several national highway projects valued at more than Rs 1880 crore were also inaugurated during the visit. The Centre said these projects would improve road connectivity, strengthen logistics, support industrial growth and contribute to faster economic development across Andhra Pradesh.

The Prime Minister received a colourful welcome on his arrival as more than 13500 tribal women and students performed the traditional Dhimsa dance. The large cultural performance attracted widespread attention and reflected the rich tribal heritage of the region.

Praising the event, Modi said the programme beautifully reflected the balance between development and cultural preservation. He appreciated Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s vision, noting that while world class infrastructure was being built, the state’s traditional art and culture were also receiving due recognition on a national platform.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the Bhogapuram International Airport as the crown jewel of North Andhra and said the long cherished dream of the region’s people had finally become a reality. He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure projects would attract investment, generate employment and transform the state’s economy in the years ahead.