The decades-long wait for an airport in Nellore district is finally nearing its end. The proposed greenfield Dagadarthi airport has received crucial momentum from the Andhra Pradesh state cabinet, bringing the project one significant step closer to takeoff.
Cabinet Approval Unlocks Land Acquisition
The key hurdle of land acquisition is now being addressed decisively. The state cabinet has approved a proposal allowing the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) to acquire an additional 418.14 acres of land near Damavaram village. This land will be taken on a perpetual lease, with the government offering a compensation of ₹13 lakh per acre.
In total, the airport requires between 1,352 to 1,379 acres. Prior to this move, the government had already secured around 900 acres, which included government land. This fresh approval is expected to resolve the lingering land issues that had stalled progress.
A Strategic Hub for Passengers and Cargo
Nellore district collector Himanshu Shukla expressed strong confidence that the airport could be operational within a couple of years. He highlighted the personal commitment of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to this crucial project for the region's development.
The airport's strategic location is a major advantage. Situated near the national highway and in close proximity to the Krishnapatnam and Ramayapatnam ports, Dagadarthi is poised to become a significant hub for both passenger and cargo services. This connectivity is expected to be a massive boost for the industrial corridor developing in the region, including upcoming mega zones like Kris City.
Project Scope and Economic Impact
Envisioned as a no-frills greenfield facility, the Dagadarthi airport comes with an estimated project cost of ₹1,000 crore. It is designed to handle up to 0.83 million passengers annually along with thousands of tonnes of cargo each year.
The economic implications are substantial. Local residents and industrialists hail the project as a game-changer that will:
- Enhance air connectivity to major Indian cities.
- Boost tourism in the area.
- Attract new investments.
- Create widespread employment opportunities.
A Long Journey to Reality
The airport project has seen its share of delays, primarily due to land disputes and shifting government priorities over the years. Although its foundation stone was laid back in 2019, the project faced subsequent setbacks.
The current push comes under the NDA government's focus on fast-tracking infrastructure. The project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with tenders already floated for execution. With AAI teams conducting reviews and land acquisition progressing swiftly, the Dagadarthi airport is firmly on the path to marking a new era of development for the entire Nellore district.
