Land Acquisition Speeds Up for Andhra Pradesh’s Dagadarthi Airport Project
Government clears key hurdles, allocates funds, and invites bids to fast-track Andhra Pradesh’s next international aviation hub
NELLORE: The long awaited Dagadarthi airport development project in Andhra Pradesh has entered a decisive phase, with the State government intensifying land acquisition efforts to ensure timely execution. The proposed international airport, planned at Dagadarthi village in Nellore district, is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and boost economic growth across southern Andhra Pradesh.
Spread across approximately 1,332.8 acres, the ambitious project is being implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Once completed, it will become the eighth operational airport in the State, marking a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure expansion strategy. Officials confirmed that preparatory work is progressing steadily, with Phase-1 construction targeted to commence between June and July this year.
To expedite the process, the government has sanctioned ₹54 crore aimed at facilitating land acquisition and ensuring the availability of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and communication networks. Authorities are prioritising the smooth disbursement of compensation to affected landowners while actively addressing disputes that could delay project timelines.
The district administration, led by Nellore Collector Himanshu Shukla, has been working proactively to meet deadlines and streamline procedural requirements. According to officials, groundwork has already been laid to ensure that construction activities can begin without further delays once the remaining formalities are completed.
In parallel, the government has initiated the bidding process for private participation. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been floated, inviting developers to undertake the construction, operation, and maintenance of the airport. The submission deadline has been set for the end of this month, with the selected bidder likely to be announced in May.
Efforts are also being made to minimise disruption to local communities during the development phase. As part of the infrastructure planning, authorities are proposing an alternative road to replace an existing route that falls within the project area. This move is intended to maintain seamless connectivity for nearby villages while facilitating construction work.
The Dagadarthi airport development is expected to transform the region into a key aviation and logistics hub, attracting investments and generating employment opportunities. With improved air connectivity, industries such as tourism, trade, and manufacturing are anticipated to receive a significant boost, further strengthening the State’s economic landscape.
Officials remain optimistic that the project will proceed as scheduled, reflecting the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure growth and improving connectivity across Andhra Pradesh.
