Ongole airport project put on fast track, AAI team to visit site today

During the survey, the team identified 657 acres of land between Aluru and Alluru villages in Kothapatnam Mandal as a potential location for the project.

This initiative is part of the state’s plan to develop seven new airports, including one in Ongole. MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy has been advocating for this development, discussing the airport proposal with Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

The proposed airport is expected to significantly improve air travel connectivity for the local population and foster economic growth in the region.

In August 2024, joint-collector Gopala Krishna, along with other district officials, inspected land proposals in Alluru, Motumala and Aaluru villages in Prakasam district. These lands were originally considered for industrial development under the Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Industrial Corridor (Vanpic) project in 2010 but were later shelved. However, the airport proposal is now being revisited as part of the state’s infrastructure push.

Ongole MLA Damacherla Janardhan has expressed optimism, highlighting that the proposed airport will be located just 5 km from Ongole city, which will provide a significant boost to the district’s economy by supporting local industries and creating job opportunities.

The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) has since identified suitable land parcels and initiated preparations for a pre-feasibility study in collaboration with the AAI. To support this effort, the state government has allocated Rs 1.92 crore for the study, which will be conducted by a multi-disciplinary team from the AAI, with the support of the APADCL.