Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who took initiative to complete the Bhogapuram International Airport in record time of 31 months directed officials to make elaborate arrangements for the grand inauguration of the Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1.
The Chief Minister said the launch of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport would mark a significant milestone in development of North Andhra region and usher in a new era for the state’s aviation sector. He stated that the world-class greenfield airport, built with modern infrastructure and facilities, would not only improve air connectivity but also boost employment, tourism and commercial activity across the region. Describing the airport as a matter of pride for North Andhra and the Telugu people, he instructed officials to accord a grand welcome to Prime Minister Modi. The Chief Minister suggested that the Prime Minister be welcomed with traditional Dhimsa, the tribal folk dance of the region, along with a Kuchipudi performance. He also called for a Dhimsa dance presentation involving a record number of participants with the aim of setting a Guinness World Record. He added that the event should also promote regional attractions, including the globally renowned Araku Coffee and other tourism destinations.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to launch a wide-ranging public awareness campaign under the theme “Wings to the Dreams of North Andhra”, ensuring that the airport becomes a topic of discussion in every household. He suggested organizing targeted outreach programmes for women, youth and school students. He proposed activities such as outreach campaigns, quiz, elocution competitions, flash mobs and drone shows. Officials were also asked to organize round-table discussions with local industrialists and conduct events like 3K and 5K runs under the campaign theme. Winners of these competitions should be invited to witness the airport inauguration ceremony. He also emphasized extensive publicity through various social media platforms.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that after inaugurating the airport terminal building, Prime Minister Modi would also lay foundation stones and dedicate various projects worth Rs 18,000 crore belonging to the Ministries of Petroleum, Surface Transport, and other departments.
As per schedule Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport from Delhi on a special aircraft at 10:45 a.m. on August 1. He will be received by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. At 10:58 a.m., the Prime Minister will inaugurate the airport terminal building and subsequently inspect the facility along with the Chief Minister, the Governor, and other dignitaries. He will then proceed to the public meeting venue in an open-top vehicle, where more than 13,500 tribal women and students will greet him with a grand Dhimsa dance performance. The Prime Minister will address the public meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:55 p.m and scheduled to depart for Delhi at 1:10 p.m.
