Bhogapuram International Airport: CM Jagan lay foundation stone for Rs 4,592 crore project

Vizianagaram: In a significant infrastructural boost for North Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone for the most awaited Bhogapuram International Airport worth Rs 4,592 crores in Vizianagaram. Jagan also laid the foundation for other projects, including the Vizag Tech Park worth Rs 21,844 crores, Tarakarama Thirtha Sagaram Project worth Rs 194.40 crore and the Chintapalli Fish Land Centre, Rs 23.73 crore.

Speaking at a public meeting in Bhogapuram, Jagan reiterated that Visakhapatnam will be the state's administrative capital from September onwards and that his government will go the extra mile to implement the promises made to the people of North Andhra.

"The Bhogapuram International Airport is evidence that our government is taking a comprehensive development approach to transform Uttar Andhra. This Airport and other initiatives are intended to spur development in North Andhra, making it a hub for jobs in the coming days. The Airport, along with Vizag Tech Park, will be the jewel of Uttar Andhra and the epicentre of glory," the CM stated.

Elaborating further, CM Jagan mentioned that the new Airport will have two runways by 2026, and in the first phase, facilities will be provided to 60 lakh people, which will later be upgraded to 4 crore people. The government aims to make arrangements for A-380 double-decker flights to land at the Airport.

Reminding the public about TDP's treachery, Jagan said, "TDP government laid the foundation stone for this Airport in 2019 just two months ahead of elections without taking any land permits. This is how they fooled the public. However, all works and permits for the Airport have been acquired by our YSRCP government."

GMR Group Chairman Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, in his speech, said that this is one of the happiest days of his life."My first airport foundation stone was laid by late YS Rajashekhar Reddy, and today his son, AP CM YS Jagan, is laying the foundation stone for an airport in my hometown. It's a proud moment for me" he said.

MD of Adani Groups, Rajesh Adani, stated that CM Jagan is a uniquely visionary leader who achieved a 70% GDP growth rate without compromising on social welfare.

Bhogapuram International Airport

The AP Airport Development Corporation (APADCL) has partnered with the GMR Group to build the Bhogapuram International Airport under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Bhogapuram International Airport will cover an area of 2,203 acres and will be completed in 36 months. The total passenger capacity will be expanded in phases to accommodate up to 1.8 crore passengers per year* The Airport will feature the most modern trumpet design to ensure passenger comfort.

The airport terminal will be directly connected to roads from Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam to provide easy access for passengers. In the first phase, the Airport will establish an international EXIM gateway, logistics eco-system, and domestic and international cargo terminal with an area of 5,000 sqm.

A range of facilities, including an air traffic control building and a sewage treatment plant, will be developed as part of the project. Most importantly, the government has rehabilitated displaced families from four villages who voluntarily vacated their houses for the Airport. They have been provided with accommodation and a total of Rs 77 crores as compensation.

Vizag Tech Park Limited

The Adani Group is investing Rs 21,844 crores to set up a 200 MW integrated Data Center, technology, and business park in Maduravada, Visakhapatnam. Additionally, the group will invest Rs 7,210 crores to develop another 100 MW integrated Data Center, technology, and business park in Kapuluppada. These projects are expected to provide direct employment to 39,815 people and indirect employment to 10,610 people.

The establishment of a hyperscale data centre in Visakhapatnam by Adani will significantly increase data speed and internet bandwidth, thereby creating a positive environment for the growth of IT and IT-related services, creating high-tech jobs on a large scale, and reducing service costs. The Skill University and Skill Centers to be set up in connection with the Data Center will promote the development of skills among the youth and improve the lifestyle of employees through the Business Park Recreation Centers.

Tarakarama Thirtha Sagaram Project

The Tarakarama Thirtha Sagaram Project aims to provide drinking water to 49 villages in Poosapatirega, Bhogapuram, and Denkada mandals of Vizianagaram district. The project also aims to irrigate 24,710 acres and provide water for Bhogapuram Airport. The government has allocated Rs 194.40 crores to complete the project by December 2024.

Chintapalli Fishland Centers

The Chintapalli Fishland Centers will be constructed at the cost of Rs 23.73 crores, benefiting thousands of fishermen in Vizianagaram district, specifically in Pusapatirega Mandal, Chintapalli seashore.

The centre will provide facilities for easy fishing in all seasons, safe access to the shore during storms and calamities, and anchorage facilities to prevent boats from being damaged by the waves. This construction is expected to increase the income of fishermen manifold.