Visakhapatnam, July 31: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is conducted on a grand scale. He also instructed officials to develop the airport into a major aviation and aerospace hub.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the inaugural event should accord a warm and memorable welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will inaugurate the airport. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the preparations through a video conference from the Port Guest House in Visakhapatnam.
He stressed that the airport premises should reflect the grandeur of Telugu art, culture, and heritage. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the airport has been designed to showcase the traditions, culture, and artistic excellence of Andhra Pradesh.
They explained that an impressive Etikoppaka handicraft installation has been placed at the airport's entrance to welcome visitors. Inside the terminal, displays featuring Tholu Bommalata (traditional leather puppets), the Bobbili Veena, Nadaswaram, Lepakshi Nandi, and artwork depicting the state's geographical heritage, including the famous Banganapalli mango, have been installed to highlight Andhra Pradesh's rich cultural legacy.
Officials also informed the Chief Minister that a grand Dhimsa tribal dance performance involving 13,500 tribal women has been planned to welcome Prime Minister Modi. They added that the rehearsal for the performance has already secured a Guinness World Record.
The Chief Minister was also informed that the airport features India's largest LED display wall, which will provide passengers with real-time flight arrivals, departures, and service information.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive at the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport from New Delhi at 10:45 a.m. He will be received by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and other dignitaries.
At 10:58 a.m., the Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the airport terminal building and spend approximately 12 minutes touring the facility. During the visit, he will view the installations and exhibits highlighting Telugu art, Andhra Pradesh's cultural heritage, and traditional craftsmanship.
As the Prime Minister proceeds from the terminal to the public meeting venue, he will be accorded a grand traditional welcome through the Dhimsa tribal dance, performed by tribal women and girls dressed in coordinated traditional attire. The cultural presentation has been specially organised to extend a unique and memorable welcome to the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests.
Following the cultural reception, Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and other dignitaries will address a public gathering.
The Chief Minister's video conference was attended by Ministers Atchannaidu, Satyakumar Yadav, P. Narayana, Kondapalli Srinivas, other public representatives, Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, Special Chief Secretary (Infrastructure & Investments) Krishna Babu, and District Collectors from the concerned districts.