Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh govt has set June 2025 deadline to complete the integrated terminal at Vijayawada International Airport. So far, 58.5% of the construction has been completed, with 20% progress made in the last 100 days under the NDA govt’s intensified focus. However, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed dissatisfaction with the terminal’s current interior design, calling for enhancements that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Vijayawada International Airport, located in Gannavaram, Krishna district, serves as the only air link to the state’s capital city, Amaravati. Approved in 2018 by the central govt, the integrated terminal project was initially sanctioned with an estimated budget of ₹611 crore. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, pushing back multiple deadlines. With confusion over the proposed shifting of the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam, works on the integrated terminal went at a snail’s pace between 2019-24.
Since taking office in June 2024, the NDA govt prioritised accelerating the project. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) and Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry actively monitored the progress of the terminal construction, working closely with project teams to ensure deadlines are met.
During a review of the project on Saturday, CM Chandrababu Naidu directed authorities to revamp the terminal’s interior design to incorporate local art and culture. “Vijayawada airport is on track to become one of the busiest in the region. We are committed to providing world-class infrastructure, and the terminal will showcase Andhra’s heritage, including Kondapalli Bommalu, Etikoppaka toys, and Kuchipudi dance,” said MP Kesineni Chinni.
In addition, the state govt is planning to develop five new airstrips across Andhra Pradesh, with proposed locations at Moolapeta, Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Tadepalligudem, and Anantapuram, aiming to expand regional connectivity and bolster economic growth.
