Andhra Pradesh's 8th Airport Cleared: How Dagadarthi Will Link Two Major Ports
Key Points
- 1Cabinet approved Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport, making it Andhra Pradesh's 8th airport, with an estimated cost of ₹1,000 crore.
- 2The 1,332.80-acre project will link Krishnapatnam and Ramayapatnam Ports, creating a vital multimodal logistics hub.
- 3Phase 1 is designed to handle 1.4 MPPA, with long-term capacity scalable to 15 MPPA and provision for a future cargo facility.
- 4Development is proceeding under a Public-Private Partnership model after receiving in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet has officially approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport project in the Nellore district, marking a significant expansion of the state's aviation and industrial infrastructure. This approval positions Dagadarthi to become Andhra Pradesh's 8th airport, reinforcing a vision for a future-ready, multimodal logistics network.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
The airport’s location is highly strategic for regional commerce. It offers excellent connectivity to major National Highway corridors. Crucially, the site links two major seaports: Krishnapatnam Port and Ramayapatnam Port. This integration of air, road, and sea transport is designed to support the region’s growing industrial base. Multiple industrial clusters, including KRIS City and IFFCO SEZs, will benefit directly from the new air link.
This unique locational advantage is expected to drive regional economic transformation. It will serve as a critical enabler for manufacturing, exports, agri-logistics, and services-led growth in southern Andhra Pradesh.
Project Scale and Capacity
The Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport will be developed across 1,332.80 acres in multiple phases.
Key Development Details
- Phase 1 Capacity: The initial phase is designed to handle 1.4 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
- Long-Term Scalability: The master plan allows for long-term capacity to be scaled up to 15 MPPA.
- Cargo Focus: The plan includes provision for a future cargo facility. This aligns with the region's expanding industrial output and port-led trade potential.
- Estimated Cost: The no-frills greenfield facility is estimated to cost around ₹1,000 crore.
Regulatory and Development Framework
The project has already secured in-principle clearance from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). The state government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite private participation. The airport will be developed, operated, and maintained under a long-term concession framework, utilizing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Officials have expressed confidence that the Nellore district airport could be operational within a couple of years, despite facing previous delays.
Impact on Aviation and Industry
The Dagadarthi project is more than just an aviation asset; it is viewed as a catalyst for regional development. By providing direct air connectivity, the airport is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs for local exporters and manufacturers. This enhanced connectivity is projected to attract fresh investments in industry, warehousing, and services. The construction and operation phases will also generate substantial employment across the construction, aviation, and logistics sectors.
This strategic move underscores the state's commitment to accelerating aviation and industrial infrastructure development. The integration of air travel with major ports and highway networks strengthens Andhra Pradesh's position as a preferred destination for business and investment, according to official releases. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, industry stakeholders continue to monitor these key infrastructure developments in India, often guided by the regulations of bodies like the MoCA and the overall framework of the IATA.
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