3 airports in Andhra Pradesh receive major infrastructure boost

New Delhi [India], Feb 12 (ANI): Three airports in Andhra Pradesh received major infrastructure boost on Tuesday after Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the extension and strengthening of existing runways on Vijaywada and Rajahmundry airports and laid foundation stone for Linear Expansion of Terminal Building at the Vishakhapatnam airport on Tuesday.
The Civil Aviation Minister announced the extension of the runway at the Rajahmundry Airport from 1,750 metres to 3,165 metres to meet the growing air traffic demands and to facilitate the operations of A-321 type of aircraft at an estimated cost of Rs 182 crore.
The runway at Vijaywada airport, similarly, is being extended from 2,286 metres to 3,360 metres at a cost of Rs 145 crore. The airport will now be able to facilitate operations of wide-bodied aircraft.
Highlighting the importance of the infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu said: “These projects will enhance the capacity of passenger as well as cargo handling".
He added, “Vijaywada and Rajahmundry are two important cities of the state. The infrastructure project is not only important for the state of Andhra Pradesh but important for the entire east coast region and therefore we look forward to infrastructure development in these cities as Andhra Pradesh is one the most important states of India.”
The expansion of the existing terminal area from 19,800 square metre to 29,050 square metre of the Vishakhapatnam airport at a cost of Rs 60 crore has also been announced keeping in view the exponential growth of passenger movement.
“Vishakhapatnam is a very important port in the east coast and is now becoming gateway to many important destinations outside the country. Therefore, we look forward to growth in this sector,” the Union Civil Aviation Minister noted. 
The ceremony took place in the capital through live video conferencing. Those present at the event included Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, former Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and other dignitaries of Airports Authority of India including AAI Chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra.
Dignitaries and public from Vijaywada, Rajahmundry and Vishakhapatnam joined the ceremony. (ANI)