Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched developmental projects worth over Rs 17,900 crore in Andhra Pradesh, featuring the inauguration of the Rs 5,640-crore Bhogapuram International Airport. The initiative includes laying the foundation for the state's first semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam, along with major power grid and national highway expansions.
BHOGAPURAM, ANDHRA PRADESH — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stones for a cluster of major infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 17,900 crore in Andhra Pradesh. The unveilings, centered in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, signal a broad push by the Central and state governments to turn the state’s long coastline and industrial corridors into a primary growth engine for southern India.
Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, the Prime Minister highlighted key initiatives across civil aviation, high-tech manufacturing, green energy grid integration, and highway logistics. The event marks a significant milestone in regional development following the state's post-bifurcation economic rebalancing.
Greenfield Aviation Gateway Opens North Coastal Belt
A major highlight of the visit was the formal inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at an investment exceeding Rs 5,640 crore, the greenfield airport serves as Andhra Pradesh’s first international air gateway established since the state’s bifurcation. Designed to accommodate six million passengers per year in its initial phase, the terminal features AI-driven predictive operations, biometric passenger check-in systems, automated baggage processing, and an on-site 5 MW solar power setup.
Officials noted that the airport's architectural framework incorporates regional cultural motifs, taking design cues from traditional Chuttilu dwellings, the topography of the Araku Valley, and coastal aesthetics. The facility is expected to serve as a critical logistics and passenger terminal for cargo exports, tourism, and business travel across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts.
Andhra Pradesh Secures Entry into India Semiconductor Mission
The ceremony also included the foundation stone laying for the ASIP Semiconductor Project in Visakhapatnam. With an investment of over Rs 460 crore, the facility is being set up by ASIP Technologies Private Limited in technical collaboration with APACT of the Republic of Korea.
The facility represents Andhra Pradesh’s first assembly and testing unit approved under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Located at Tarluvada in Anandapuram mandal, the plant is engineered to produce approximately 96 million microchips annually upon reaching operational capacity. The initiative aims to catalyze an electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the region, providing skilled technical employment for local engineering talent.
Renewable Energy and Highway Network Upgrades
To support green industrialization, the Prime Minister launched energy transmission projects designed to evacuate clean power into the national grid. Foundation stones were laid for the Kurnool-IV Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-I transmission system, a Rs 5,550-crore project executed by POWERGRID. Additionally, transmission infrastructure for the Kurnool and Ananthapuram solar and wind energy zones worth over Rs 4,370 crore was dedicated to the nation.
On the transportation front, national highway projects worth more than Rs 1,880 crore were unveiled. These include newly completed sections of NH-365BG, the Tadipatri Bypass on NH-67, and structural bridge work on NH-565. The upgrades are designed to streamline freight movement between commercial hubs in Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad while easing urban traffic bottlenecks.
Official Sources Section
The details were confirmed via official releases issued by the Prime Minister's Office, official event briefings from the Press Information Bureau, statements by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and public updates from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Quote Section
According to officials, the comprehensive infrastructure package is intended to reduce logistics overheads, drive investment in emerging technologies, and position the eastern seaboard as a key global trading hub.
Addressing the gathering at Bhogapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated: "Our strategic vision is to comprehensively develop this entire region as a thriving Coastal Economic Corridor. Modern logistics integration under PM Gati Shakti will provide efficient connectivity to industries, benefit agricultural producers, and enhance the overall ease of doing business."
Why It Matters
The rollout of these projects addresses structural growth requirements for citizens, businesses, and industrial developers:
Logistics and Export Efficiency: The combination of international air freight and upgraded national highways lowers transport times for regional pharmaceutical, seafood, and manufacturing exports.
High-Tech Skill Creation: The state's maiden semiconductor assembly unit establishes an initial industrial base for microelectronics assembly and specialized engineering roles.
Clean Energy Grid Reliability: Large-scale power evacuation lines connect solar and wind generation hubs in Kurnool and Ananthapuram directly to the national grid.
Regional Connectivity: Citizens in northern Andhra Pradesh gain direct international air travel links without needing transit through out-of-state metro airports.
Key Facts at a Glance
Total Project Outlay: Exceeds Rs 17,900 crore across aviation, energy, road, and high-tech sectors.
Airport Capacity: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram designed for 6 million passengers annually.
Semiconductor Target: ASIP Technologies facility engineered to assemble 96 million chips per year.
Power Grid Integration: Over Rs 9,900 crore allocated to renewable power transmission projects in Kurnool and Ananthapuram.
Highway Works: Rs 1,880-crore road projects targeting improved logistics flow between Visakhapatnam and interior industrial corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the Bhogapuram International Airport?
It is Andhra Pradesh's first greenfield international airport completed since the 2014 state bifurcation. It provides modern aviation infrastructure and direct international logistics capabilities for northern coastal districts.
Where is Andhra Pradesh’s new semiconductor plant located?
The ASIP Semiconductor Project is located at Tarluvada in Anandapuram mandal near Visakhapatnam. It is being established under the India Semiconductor Mission with South Korean technical collaboration.
How do these projects impact power infrastructure in the state?
The high-voltage transmission lines connect large solar and wind parks in Kurnool and Ananthapuram to the national grid, facilitating efficient clean energy evacuation and reducing power grid instability.
