The Andhra Pradesh government aims to complete the integrated terminal at Vijayawada International Airport by June 2025, with 58.5% of construction already finished. The project has made significant progress, advancing by 20% in the past 100 days due to increased efforts under the NDA government. However, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed concerns about the interior design, urging improvements to better reflect the state’s cultural heritage. Located in Gannavaram, Krishna district, the airport is the primary air link to Amaravati, the state capital.
Approved by the central government in 2018 with an initial budget of Rs 6.11 billion, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties regarding the potential shift of the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam, which slowed progress from 2019 to 2024. Since the NDA government took office in June 2024, efforts have been intensified to meet the 2025 deadline. MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) and MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry have been actively involved in overseeing the project’s progress.
During a recent review, CM Naidu directed officials to redesign the terminal’s interior to showcase local art and culture, including elements like Kondapalli Bommalu, Etikoppaka toys, and Kuchipudi dance. The terminal is expected to become one of the busiest in the region, contributing to world-class infrastructure and the promotion of Andhra Pradesh’s heritage. Additionally, the state government plans to develop five new airstrips in Moolapeta, Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Tadepalligudem, and Anantapuram to enhance regional connectivity and foster economic growth.
