TBM Staff - Mumbai
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu on Saturday to discuss the development of new airports, the expansion of terminal capacities at existing airports, and the enhancement of air connectivity within the state.
During the meeting, they also explored the utilisation of seaplanes and helicopters, as well as the deployment of drones in various sectors, particularly agriculture.
Rammohan Naidu shared on ‘X’ that the meeting with Chandrababu Naidu, along with senior officials from the Aviation Department, was productive. He affirmed the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to supporting Andhra Pradesh’s growth. The Union Minister highlighted that Naidu provided valuable administrative inputs and suggestions to maximise the potential of civil aviation for the country’s growth.
Addressing the media, Rammohan Naidu detailed their discussions on the development of seven additional airports: Kuppam, Srikakulam, Dagadarthi (Nellore), Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni-Annavaram area (to bridge the gap between Bhogapuram and Rajahmundry airports), Tadepalligudem (where an old airstrip exists), and Ongole. He assured that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) would fully support these initiatives, provided the State government acquired suitable land. He noted that airport construction typically requires 700 to 1,500 acres, with larger airports needing 3,000 to 4,000 acres.
Chandrababu Naidu also suggested examining the possibility of converting the private airport at Puttaparthi into a public facility for regular flights.
Further discussions included the operation of seaplanes along the Andhra Pradesh coast under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN. The Central government plans to release a revised policy on seaplane facilities soon. Additionally, proposals for ‘water aerodromes’ on the Krishna River at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and at Srisailam Dam were considered.
Chandrababu Naidu also recommended developing Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facilities in the state and enhancing cargo transportation capabilities from the airports.
