In pics: PM Modi to inaugurate AI-equipped international airport in Andhra

Andhra Pradesh is set to get an aviation boost on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. The inauguration comes as PM Modi is headed for a two state visit to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. During the visit, he will also lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 17,900 crore in Bhogapuram before addressing a public gathering. Ahead of the inauguration, the PM will also undertake a walk-through of the airport's passenger terminal building. Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of more than Rs 5,640 crore, the Greenfield airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually. The project is aimed at strengthening air connectivity while supporting regional growth. The passenger terminal has been designed to provide a modern, seamless and efficient travel experience. It combines advanced infrastructure, modern technologies and sustainability measures to meet future aviation requirements.Key features of the airportPassenger capacity: Designed to handle six million passengers annually.Modern technology: Equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 technologies, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling systems and intelligent operational monitoring solutions. Operational benefits: The technology is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger convenience and safety, and optimise resource utilisation.Sustainability features: Includes energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, smart building management systems, waste management initiatives, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and environmental monitoring measures. Green certification: The terminal has been designed in accordance with Green Building Standards and is registered with the US Green Building Council (USGBC).Design inspiration: The terminal's roof profile draws inspiration from Andhra Pradesh's traditional Chuttilu cottages and the landscapes of the Araku Valley, while its flowing form symbolises the graceful movement of a flying fish, blending regional architectural elements with contemporary airport design. The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment and employment in Andhra Pradesh while strengthening regional air connectivity.Alongside the airport inauguration, the Prime Minister will launch several other development projects, including laying the foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh's first semiconductor manufacturing facility under the India Semiconductor Mission. The Rs 460-crore ASIP Semiconductor Project in Visakhapatnam is expected to manufacture around 96 million semiconductor chips annually and create high-skilled jobs. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate renewable energy transmission projects worth nearly Rs 10,000 crore, besides dedicating National Highway projects worth over Rs 1,880 crore aimed at improving connectivity and supporting the evacuation of renewable energy. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, Viveka Smaraka in Mysuru, a centre dedicated to value-based education, leadership and personality development that is expected to benefit more than 10,000 students and young people.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.