AP Government Striving To Improve Regional Connectivity

The state government of Andhra Pradesh is all set to sign an agreement with the Centre and Airports Authority of India in regards to improving regional air connectivity, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme conceived in the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016. The Regional Connectivity Scheme’s primary objective is to facilitate and stimulate affordable regional air connectivity. Both the state and central governments will work towards reducing the cost of operations on regional airlines.

Three new airports will be set up in Andhra Pradesh under the scheme – a greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram (40 KMs away from Visakhapatnam) on a 5311 acre land and two domestic airports being developed at a low cost at Dagadarti in SPS Nellore district and Orvakallu in Kurnool district.

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry recently granted its approval for the same. The Andhra Pradesh government hyped the Bhogapuram International Airport Company Limited (BIACL) as a special purpose vehicle. Principal Secretary – Energy, Infrastructure and Investment – Ajay Jain said that the BIACL will enter into a MoU with the Indian Government and Airports Authority of India for the enhancement of regional connectivity. These developments will in turn result in a balanced regional growth, promote tourism and increase employment.   

The Principal Secretary added that tenders have been floated for selection of developers for the airports.