Customs jurisdiction to expand with Bhogapuram airport
Visakhapatnam Customs is preparing for a major jurisdictional expansion. The change will follow the inauguration of the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport in Vizianagaram district.
Principal Commissioner of Customs, Visakhapatnam, N. Sridhar, said the upgrade will take effect once the airport becomes operational. He added that higher authorities are expected to issue formal directions soon.
Sridhar said the department has already begun groundwork for the transition. Officials plan to strengthen staffing, surveillance, and enforcement systems. The department will also accelerate its shift towards technology-driven operations.
The new airport’s passenger terminal building will include 22 check-in counters and 10 security check lanes. Authorities plan to deploy advanced passenger processing systems to improve efficiency. Sridhar called the development a key milestone for Customs operations in the region.
On revenue, Sridhar said Visakhapatnam Customs collected ₹13,207.85 crore in the 2024–25 financial year. The department has already surpassed its current target of ₹11,958.08 crore set for January 2026. Collections have reached ₹12,891.42 crore, reflecting a growth rate of 7.81%. The annual revenue target stands at ₹14,360 crore.
Sridhar said U.S. tariffs on Indian exports had only a marginal impact on shrimp shipments.
During the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations, Principal Chief Commissioner Sanjay Rathi highlighted recent reforms. He said the introduction of body-worn cameras has strengthened integrity and transparency. Officers now use them at airports and during ship-boarding operations.
Visakhapatnam City Police Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi attended as the chief guest. He praised Customs officials for their vigilance and service. He described them as “invisible warriors.”
Later, authorities honoured 30 entities with awards. Winners included Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) in the Top Custodian (Port) category. RINL – Visakhapatnam Steel Plant received the Best Importer award.