The Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Thursday (July 25) informed the Lok Sabha that the new integrated terminal building at Vijayawada Airport in Andhra Pradesh is expected to be completed by June next year.
The Union government approved the project, which includes the terminal building and related works, in June 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 611.80 crore.
No cost overrun but delays in project
In his written response, the Civil Aviation Minister stated that there has been no cost overrun to date. However, the project has experienced delays due to late environmental clearances and unforeseen challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple cyclones, and unusually heavy rainfall.
The revised completion timeline is now June 2025, though this may be affected by the availability of necessary approvals and clearances, as well as the removal of any obstacles by the airport developer.
48.5% complete, Rs 279.93 crore spent
The project has made 48.5% physical progress, with expenditures amounting to Rs 279.93 crore as of June 2024.
Under the Greenfield Airports Policy of 2008, the government had given in-principle approval for three new greenfield airports in Andhra Pradesh: Dagadarthi Airport with a project cost of Rs 293 crore, Bhogapuram Airport at Rs 4,727 crore, and Oravakal Airport at Rs 187 crore. The Oravakal Airport became operational in March 2021.