Bhogapuram airport, projects to create 5 lakh jobs: Srinivas

Minister for MSME and NRI Affairs Kondapalli Srinivas on Saturday said the Bhogapuram International Airport, the proposed Reliance Data Centre and several other upcoming projects in north Andhra are expected to generate nearly five lakh jobs in the region in the coming years.

To build public awareness ahead of the airport’s inauguration, the Minister, accompanied by District Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy and senior officials, flagged off a 20-km rally from Vizianagaram to the Bhogapuram airport site. He also unveiled the Our Airport, Our Future campaign poster and appealed to the public to participate in the event.

Addressing the media, Mr. Srinivas said the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led government had completed the airport project within two years, fulfilling a key promise made ahead of the 2024 general elections. He said elaborate arrangements had been made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on August 1, when he is scheduled to inaugurate the airport.

The Minister said the Prime Minister is expected to arrive at around 10.15 a.m. and will be accorded a traditional welcome with a Dhimsa dance performance by nearly 13,000 youngsters. He added that Mr. Modi had expressed satisfaction over the completion of the airport project in what he described as one of the country’s long-neglected regions.

Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu alleged that the previous YSR Congress Party government had failed to ensure the development of north Andhra during its five-year tenure.

Cheepurupalli MLA Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had consistently prioritised the development of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts and had fulfilled most of the promises made ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.

Nellimarla MLA Lokam Naga Madhavi said the government had planned several new roads connecting Vizianagaram with the Bhogapuram International Airport to ensure seamless connectivity and support the region’s growth.