International airport with advanced cargo operations and aero-city features in Bhogapuram will drive airport-led economic development in Andhra Pradesh similar to Delhi and Hyderabad.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation for the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport in Wednesday (3 May).
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 4,592 crore. The airport is located about 50 km from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Vizianagaram district.
The GMR Group is responsible for building the new airport. GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), is the concessionaire for the development and operations of Bhogapuram Airport near Visakhapatnam.
According to G M Rao, GMR Group chairman, constructing an international airport with advanced cargo operations and aero-city features in Bhogapuram will drive airport-led economic development in Andhra Pradesh similar to Delhi and Hyderabad.
The project involves the design, build, finance, construction, development, operation and maintenance of the airport for a period of 40 years, extendable by additional 20 years.
Rao assured Jagan Reddy that GMR Group would finish constructing the airport within 36 months, ensuring it matches the international standards of Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Rao, speaking at a foundation-stone-laying ceremony for the Bhogapuram airport, stated that the construction of the airport would adhere to the same standards as Hyderabad airport, and would take into account the region’s cultural and traditional values, reports Economic Times.
The airport is set to be built within three years and will commence operations upon completion.
According to him, the airport would be a significant contributor to the economy, generating numerous job opportunities.
Additionally, its cargo operations would benefit farmers as well as industries like aquaculture and pharmaceutical by simplifying exports. At the Global Investors Summit (GIS) earlier this year, Rao promised Rs 5,000 crore from GMR Group for the first stage of the airport’s expansion, allowing it to cater to six million passengers yearly.
The GMR Group, a prominent name in infrastructure, airports, energy, transportation, and urban projects sectors in India and abroad, has added its 12th airport in Bhogapuram after the recent inauguration of Goa airport. Rao highlighted the significant role played by Hyderabad airport in boosting Telangana’s economy.
Since 1999-2000 when only seven planes were operating at the Hyderabad airport, the number has now soared up to 500 aircraft.
The transformation of Delhi airport is highlighted by the businessman as he notes that it was once labelled as the worst airport. However, since it was taken over by GMR, it has become the number one airport.
The project will accommodate six million passengers yearly and is estimated to be completed in 36 months. Facilities will be improved gradually to handle more than 1.8 crore passengers annually, with a focus on the expansion of passenger traffic.
In order to reduce traffic congestion along the national roadway’s Visakhapatnam-Bhogapuram section, the government would construct a 55 km long, Rs 6,300 crore, six-lane roadway.