[ad_1]
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to explore feasibility of setting up seven new airports in the state, following the recommendation of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. With the chief minister offering to allocate land for the new airports, the Centre has expressed its willingness to undertake the study. The chief minister proposed the development of new airports at Kuppam, his hometown, Dagadarthi in Nellore, and Nagarjuna Sagar in Palnadu district. The Centre has resolved to incorporate Srikakulam, the hometown of Civil Aviation Minister Rammmohan Naidu, in the feasibility study. Notably, the upcoming Bhogapuram International airport in Vizianagaram district is situated in close proximity to Srikakulam. “We have identified four locations – Srikakulam, Kuppam, Dagadarthi, and Nagarjuna Sagar – for conducting the feasibility study. We are prepared to commence work on the new airports promptly upon receiving the report,” said Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu. He said that they would assess the viability of establishing airports in Ongole, Tadepalligudem, and between Tuni-Annavaram during the second phase.
The development of a new civil enclave at Bihta Airport, approved with a budget of INR 1,413.00 Crore, aims to alleviate congestion at Patna Airport. The terminal, spanning 66,000 square meters, will initially handle 5 million passengers annually and can expand to 10 million. The project includes ten parking bays and two link taxiways.
He said that the chief minister had also requested them to explore the possibility of converting the private airport at Puttaparthi for public use. He said that with seven airports currently operational in Andhra Pradesh, the addition of seven more would increase the total number of functional airports in the state to 14. The minister announced plans to enhance flight connectivity from Vijayawada to Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Visakhapatnam. “We have established a target to finalize the Bhogapuram airport by 2026, complete the expansion works of the Vijayawada runway by June 2025, Rajahmundry works by August 2025, and Kadapa airport work by December 2025. We are optimistic about accomplishing all the projects as per the schedule,” said Naidu. He also disclosed that the Centre will soon unveil a policy on seaplanes. He suggested that Andhra Pradesh could optimally leverage the new seaplane policy to attract tourists. He mentioned that the Centre is eager to introduce water aerodromes in the waters of Prakasam and Srisailam, to which the chief minister assured his support.
[ad_2]
Source link
