Naidu to Invite PM Modi for Bhogapuram Airport Launch
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is visiting New Delhi to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram on August 1. He is also expected to meet several senior Union ministers to discuss matters concerning the state.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is visiting New Delhi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and formally invite him to inaugurate the newly built Bhogapuram airport.
The airport, officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, is located at Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district. Its inauguration is scheduled for August 1.
Naidu’s Delhi Visit and Invitation to PM Modi
According to an official press release, Naidu was scheduled to leave Amaravati at 7.30 am on Wednesday and arrive in New Delhi at around 10 am.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Chief Minister will extend a formal invitation for the inauguration of the airport. Preparations are underway for the launch programme, which is expected to mark an important milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure.
The Bhogapuram airport is considered a major development project for North Andhra. The state government expects it to improve air connectivity, attract investment, and support the economic development of the region.
Meetings With Senior Union Ministers
Apart from meeting Prime Minister Modi, Naidu is expected to hold discussions with several senior members of the Union Cabinet during his visit to the national capital.
His scheduled meetings include Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil.
The discussions are expected to focus on projects, funding requirements and policy matters related to Andhra Pradesh. However, the state government has not released a detailed agenda for each meeting.
After completing his engagements in New Delhi, Naidu is scheduled to stay overnight in the national capital. He is expected to return to Amaravati at around 10.20 am on Thursday, July 23.
Bhogapuram Airport Inauguration on August 1
Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited to serve Visakhapatnam and the surrounding districts.
The airport is designed to handle approximately six million passengers annually during its first phase. It is being developed with facilities for domestic and international flight operations, along with infrastructure to support cargo and logistics services.
A successful validation flight was conducted at the airport on January 4, 2026, marking an important step towards operational readiness.
The airport is expected to provide improved aviation access to people living in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and other parts of North Andhra.
Airport Expected to Boost North Andhra Economy
Naidu has described the Bhogapuram airport as a landmark project that could transform the economic landscape of North Andhra.
Improved domestic and international air connectivity is expected to support tourism, trade, industry, and employment in the region. Dedicated cargo infrastructure could also help local businesses and exporters transport goods more efficiently.
The airport is expected to strengthen Visakhapatnam’s position as an important economic and commercial centre. It may also attract hotels, logistics companies, commercial establishments and other airport-linked businesses to nearby areas.
Road and public transport connectivity between Visakhapatnam, Bhogapuram and surrounding districts is also being strengthened to make the new airport accessible to passengers.
With the inauguration scheduled for August 1, government departments and airport authorities are coordinating the final preparations for the launch.
