Thu Feb 26 13:50:29 UTC 2026: # Andhra Pradesh Makes Strides in Key Infrastructure Projects

The Story:
Andhra Pradesh is reporting significant progress in the development of vital infrastructure projects, most notably the Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram and the long-delayed Budagatlapalem Fishing Harbour. Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy informed the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly on February 26, 2026, that the Bhogapuram airport is nearing completion and is expected to commence full commercial operations by mid-2026. Simultaneously, the government has taken direct control of the Budagatlapalem Fishing Harbour project after terminating the previous contract due to slow progress.

The Minister addressed questions from MLAs regarding both projects, outlining timelines, approvals, and financial investments. The government aims to expedite the completion of the fishing harbor to benefit approximately 5,000 fishing families dependent on it.

Key Points:

  • The Bhogapuram International Airport is nearing completion, with full commercial operations expected by mid-2026.
  • Land acquisition for the airport began in 2015 and was completed by 2020.
  • A concession agreement was signed on June 12, 2020, with a 36-month construction timeline.
  • A commercial validation flight successfully landed at the airport on January 4, 2026.
  • The government cancelled the previous contract for the Budagatlapalem Fishing Harbour due to only 25% completion.
  • The government is seeking a ₹135 crore loan under the SASCI scheme for the fishing harbor and has submitted revised cost estimates of ₹445 crore.

Key Takeaways:

  • Andhra Pradesh is prioritizing infrastructure development as a key strategy for economic growth.
  • The Bhogapuram airport project demonstrates the successful navigation of complex regulatory approvals (site, defense, CRZ).
  • Direct government intervention in the Budagatlapalem Fishing Harbour project signals a commitment to timely project completion and responsiveness to community needs.
  • The reliance on loans (SASCI) highlights the financial challenges in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
  • The project completion delays indicate the challenges of land acquisition, contract management, and achieving set timelines.

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