Dagadarthi, Kuppam airports in Andhra Pradesh set for take-off under PPP model 

The State government has drawn up plans to develop new greenfield airports at Srikakulam, Bhogapuram, Tuni–Annavaram, Tadepalligudem, Ongole, Dagadarthi, Kuppam and Nagarjuna Sagar. It also intends to operationalise the greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram and boost passenger traffic at the existing airports in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kadapa and Orvakal (Kurnool).

Under the plan, commercial operations at Visakhapatnam airport will shift to Bhogapuram once it becomes operational in 2026. The government also proposes a new greenfield international airport at Amaravati, the State capital.

To advance these projects, the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) sought approval to begin the selection process for a private concessionaire under the PPP model for airports at Dagadarthi and Kuppam. This includes finalising the draft Request for Proposal (RFP), completing land acquisition, shifting utilities, and developing external infrastructure with funds from a HUDCO loan already approved by the government.

In a G.O. issued on Sunday, the Industries and Infrastructure (Airports) Department approved the draft RFP based on the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report by RITES and directed APADCL to secure all necessary clearances.