AP Govt Sets June 2025 Deadline for Completion of Vijayawada Airport's Integrated Terminal Works.

The Andhra Pradesh government has set a June 2025 deadline for the completion of the integrated terminal at Vijayawada International Airport. With 58.5% of the construction already completed, significant progress has been made in the past 100 days, under the intensified focus of the NDA government, which has overseen 20% of the work completed in this period. Despite this, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed dissatisfaction with the terminal’s current interior design, urging officials to enhance it to reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Located in Gannavaram, Krishna district, Vijayawada International Airport is the only air link to the state capital, Amaravati. Approved by the central government in 2018, the integrated terminal project was initially sanctioned with a budget of Rs 611 crore. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, pushing back deadlines. The uncertainty over the potential relocation of the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam further slowed progress from 2019 to 2024.

Since June 2024, the NDA government has prioritized accelerating the project. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) and Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry have been actively monitoring the terminal’s construction, working closely with project teams to ensure deadlines are met.

During a recent review of the project, Chief Minister Naidu directed authorities to revamp the terminal’s interior design, incorporating local art and culture. "Vijayawada airport is set to become one of the busiest in the region, and we are committed to providing world-class infrastructure. The terminal will reflect Andhra Pradesh’s heritage, including Kondapalli Bommalu, Etikoppaka toys, and Kuchipudi dance," said MP Kesineni Chinni.

In addition to the terminal development, the state government is planning to establish five new airstrips across Andhra Pradesh in Moolapeta, Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Tadepalligudem, and Anantapuram. This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and foster economic growth.

ET