PM Modi inaugurates Bhogapuram international airport in Andhra Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on August 1. 

Who was Alluri Sitarama Raju?

• Alluri Sitarama Raju was an Indian revolutionary who waged an armed campaign against British colonial rule in India. 

• He was born on July 4, 1897 at Bhimavaram in present-day Andhra Pradesh.

• He became involved in opposing the British in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which effectively restricted the free movement of tribal communities in their forest habitats and prevented them from practicing a traditional form of agriculture known as ‘Podu’. 

• Rising discontent towards the British led to the Rampa Rebellion of 1922, in which he played a major part as a leader. 

• Mustering a force combined of tribal communities, farmers and sympathizers to their cause, he engaged in guerilla campaigns against the British colonial authorities in the border regions of the Madras Presidency part of the districts of East Godavari and Visakhapatnam (now part of Alluri Sitharama Raju district). 

• He was popularly called “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungle) by local villagers for his heroic exploits.

• After putting up a massive effort for nearly two years, the British finally managed to capture Alluri in the forests of Chintapalle.

• He was tied to a tree and executed on May 7, 1924 in the village of Koyyuru at the age of 27. 

Highlights of Bhogapuram international airport:

• It is developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at a cost of over Rs 5,640 crore.

• The greenfield airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually.

• The airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. 

• The terminal’s roof profile reflects the traditional Chuttilu cottages and the landscapes of the Araku Valley, while its flowing form symbolises the graceful movement of a flying fish, blending regional architectural elements with contemporary airport design. 

• The passenger terminal building has been designed to provide a modern, seamless and efficient travel experience. 

• The airport incorporates advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and sustainable features to enhance operational efficiency and meet future aviation requirements.

• The airport has been equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 technologies, Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling systems and intelligent operational monitoring solutions. 

• These systems are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger convenience and safety, and optimise resource utilisation.

• The terminal has been designed in accordance with Green Building Standards and is registered with the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

• The airport is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, trade, investment and employment generation in Andhra Pradesh while strengthening air connectivity in the region.