To also have Dedicated Air Cargo facility

Work on the much-touted Bhogapuram International Airport finally got started with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy laying the foundation stone for Bhogapuram International Airport recently in the presence of state ministers, senior government dignitaries and senior officials from GMR Group.

Spread across 2203 acres of land, the much-awaited airport will be built by GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, one of the leading airport developers globally.

As per an official release from the GMR the construction of the airport will generate about 6 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, provide improved connectivity, attract investments from businesses and industries from across the world, create opportunities for tourism and contribute to the overall development of the region.

Chief Minister for Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “In the years to come, with the addition of this airport, our state will be the hub for business, trade, and tourism. Construction of this airport in Vishakapatnam Executive Capital of the State will spur the development of Vizag and its surrounding regions.

The Bhogapuram International Airport will also act as a hub for cargo and freight and facilitate trade within the state and beyond.”

Commenting on the development, Mr GM Rao, Chairman, GMR Group, said, “We convey our deepest gratitude to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for giving us the opportunity to build this gateway to the future.

The new airport will enhance connectivity in the region, spur economic growth, foster sustainable development, drive innovation and create further job opportunities in this region. We will continue to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest innovations.”

As per the concession agreement, GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd will design, build, finance and operate the international airport for an initial term of 40 years.

The first phase of the project is expected to be constructed in 3 years. Initially, the airport will serve 6 million passengers per annum. The airport will also have a dedicated state-of-the-art cargo terminal catering to exports, Aerotropolis, and airport city within the vicinity, ensuring world-class facilities for efficient cargo operations.