AirportInauguration – Chandrababu Naidu Invites PM Modi to Open Bhogapuram International Airport
AirportInauguration –Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a private meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed key development initiatives for the state. During the interaction, which lasted for more than 30 minutes, Naidu formally invited the Prime Minister to inaugurate the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, located in Vizianagaram district.
Invitation Extended for Airport Inauguration
The meeting focused on the progress of one of Andhra Pradesh’s flagship infrastructure projects. Naidu requested Prime Minister Modi to attend the inaugural ceremony of the airport, which the state government considers a major milestone for regional development. The airport is expected to strengthen connectivity and serve as an important gateway for North Andhra once operations begin.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also introduced Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Member of Parliament Kalisetti Appalanaidu to the Prime Minister. Naidu pointed out that the MP represents the Vizianagaram Lok Sabha constituency, where the airport has been developed.
Prime Minister Appreciates MP’s Daily Bicycle Commute
Later, while interacting in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi spoke positively about Kalisetti Appalanaidu, highlighting his unique mode of travel. Modi remarked that he was familiar with the MP because he arrives at Parliament every day on a bicycle.
Appalanaidu, who was elected from the Vizianagaram constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has become widely known for cycling to Parliament. He is often seen wearing the Telugu Desam Party’s signature yellow kurta with a white dhoti while riding his yellow bicycle. According to the MP, his decision to cycle regularly is intended to encourage environmental awareness and promote cleaner modes of transportation.
He has repeatedly said that rising pollution levels require public attention and believes cycling is a practical step that more people should adopt for a healthier environment.
Union Ministers Also Meet Prime Minister
Along with the Chief Minister’s meeting, Union Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu and Srinivasa Varma also met Prime Minister Modi in Parliament. Although details of their discussions were not officially disclosed, the meetings came as the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government continue coordination on major infrastructure and development projects.
Government Highlights Strategic Importance of Airport
Earlier this week, Chandrababu Naidu described the Bhogapuram International Airport as a project that could significantly reshape the economic future of North Andhra. According to the state government, the airport proposal was originally initiated during the TDP administration in 2014 and received renewed momentum under the present coalition government, allowing construction to progress rapidly.
The government is planning a large-scale inauguration ceremony to mark the opening of the airport, reflecting its importance as one of Andhra Pradesh’s biggest infrastructure investments.
Preparations Underway for Grand Launch
To review arrangements for the inauguration, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting attended by Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, State Minister Nadendla Manohar, BJP State President P. V. N. Madhav, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, several state ministers and senior government officials.
During the review, Naidu said the airport would become a key driver of economic expansion across North Andhra by improving transportation links, attracting fresh investment and opening new opportunities for businesses and local communities.
Airport Expected to Boost Regional Economy
The Chief Minister said the project is expected to stimulate tourism, industry and trade while supporting the broader development of the Visakha Economic Region. He expressed confidence that improved connectivity would enhance employment prospects and encourage investment across multiple sectors.
Naidu also stated that the airport, together with ongoing irrigation projects, highways, ports and other infrastructure initiatives, would accelerate long-term economic growth in the region. He compared its expected impact with the transformation witnessed around Hyderabad following the development of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, saying Bhogapuram could play a similarly important role in shaping North Andhra’s future.