AP Leveraging Central Support To Develop Aviation Infra In Big Way

Andhra Pradesh eyes infra revamp using Centre's push for sector's growth

State to develop 4 domestic airports into cargo terminals

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh is planning a major revamp of its aviation infrastructure, taking advantage of the central government's focus on the sector's growth. The state government is working on developing four domestic airports into cargo terminals and setting up new airports in potential locations. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already approved the state government's proposal to develop airports at Kurnool, Orvakal, and Dagadarthi. The state government is also in talks with the AAI to develop airports at Bhogapuram and Machilipatnam. "We are working on developing aviation infrastructure in the state in a big way. We have already got the AAI's approval for three airports and are in talks with them for two more," said state Transport Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani). The state government is also planning to develop four domestic airports into cargo terminals. These airports are located at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and Kadapa. "We have identified four airports for development as cargo terminals. This will help us to promote exports from the state," said Nani. The state government is also working on developing a new airport at Bhogapuram, which will be the gateway to Visakhapatnam. The airport is expected to be operational by 2024. "The Bhogapuram airport will be a major boost to tourism and trade in the state," said Nani. The central government has been giving a major push to the aviation sector in recent years. In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government announced a number of measures to promote the sector, including the development of new airports and the expansion of existing ones. The state government's plans to develop aviation infrastructure are in line with the central government's focus on the sector. The state government is confident that these plans will help to boost economic growth and create new jobs.