Chief Minister YS Jagan has asked the Union government to grant unconditional permission for the construction of a new international airport to enable Visakhapatnam, which plays a key role in the state’s economic and tourism development, to grow further.He has already written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The letter mentioned that the Eastern Naval Command was planning to build a new international airport at Bhogapuram due to difficulties in operating a large number of civil aviation services from the naval base of INS Dega.As the unconditional non-binding document issued in 2016 has expired, it has recently been asked to issue the NOC without any terms and conditions.
The Chief Minister also wrote separate letters to Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on the same issue.The letter said, we bring to your attention the most crucial aspect of the state.
According to the Partition Act, the Center should consider the need to develop Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati airports in line with international standards within six months from the date of partition of the state.Steps should be taken to increase air services from these 3 airports.
Visakhapatnam Airport has hills on three sides.Civilian aircraft are allowed to take off in only one direction for security reasons.
As a result, it is not possible to fly more than 10 flights per hour.Although it currently meets the needs of the defense and civil aviation sectors, traffic is likely to increase significantly in the future.
The airport, which is being used for civilian and defense purposes, is witnessing an increase in congestion due to defense activities on the one hand and tourism development in Visakhapatnam on the other.
