Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bhogapuram airport in Vizianagaram district on Saturday, August 1, 2026. During the event, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan received a special handshake from the Prime Minister. Mr. Modi briefly interacted with Mr. Pawan, enquiring about his health after the latter underwent surgery on his shoulder recently. Mr. Pawan Kalyan attended the first public meeting wearing a sling and shared the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The Bhogapuram airport was constructed six months ahead of schedule by the GMR group, according to its Chairman Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao. The airport is expected to spur economic activity in the region, similar to the Shamshabad airport in Hyderabad. Mr. Rao thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their support in the quick construction of the airport.
The inauguration of the airport also highlighted the traditional string instrument, Bobbili Veena, from Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presented a Bobbili Veena to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the artisans for preserving the culture of the state. The instrument has gained nationwide prominence due to patronage from great musicians across the country.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu hailed the inauguration of the airport as a historic milestone that would transform the future of Uttarandhra. He described the event as a celebration for every household in Andhra Pradesh and noted that the occasion held special significance for himself as a native of Uttarandhra. The airport is expected to open up opportunities in investment, tourism, trade, industry, and employment, while placing the region prominently on the global map.
The Vizianagaram district administration received appreciation from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for hosting the inauguration of the airport within less than a month. Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy was praised for the successful conduct of the programme, which was organised with the coordination of all stakeholders, public, and media.
