Why the Project Matters
Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport and Andhra Pradesh’s Connectivity Push: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport in Nellore district, marking a significant step in expanding the state’s aviation footprint. With this approval, Andhra Pradesh is set to get its 8th operational airport. The decision aligns with the state’s long-term strategy of improving connectivity and attracting private investment.
The project is expected to enhance regional accessibility and integrate air transport with road and port infrastructure. This will help southern Andhra Pradesh emerge as a competitive economic zone.
Strategic Location Advantages
Dagadarthi’s location gives it a strong logistical advantage. The proposed airport lies close to national highways, major industrial clusters, and key maritime gateways.
It is situated near Krishnapatnam Port and the upcoming Ramayapatnam Port, enabling seamless air–sea cargo movement.
Static GK fact: Andhra Pradesh has one of the longest coastlines in India, stretching over 970 km, making port-led development a core policy focus.
Linkage with Industrial and Economic Zones
The airport will serve industrial hubs such as KRIS City and IFFCO Special Economic Zones. This proximity is expected to support manufacturing, agro-processing, and export-oriented industries.
Air connectivity will reduce transit time for high-value and perishable goods. This is particularly important for agri-exports, pharmaceuticals, and time-sensitive industrial products.
Approval Status and Development Model
The project has received in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Following this, the state government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to attract private developers.
The airport will be developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model with long-term concession agreements. This approach reduces fiscal burden on the state while leveraging private-sector efficiency.
Static GK Tip: Greenfield airports are built from scratch, allowing better planning compared to brownfield expansions.
Capacity Planning and Phased Development
The Dagadarthi airport is planned over 1,332.80 acres and will be developed in multiple phases. In Phase 1, the airport is designed to handle 1.4 million passengers per annum.
In the long term, the airport has scalability up to 15 million passengers annually. The master plan also provides space for a dedicated cargo terminal, aligned with future trade growth.
Economic and Regional Impact
The airport is expected to act as a growth engine for Nellore and surrounding districts. Improved air connectivity will reduce logistics costs for industries and exporters.
It will also generate direct and indirect employment in aviation, services, warehousing, and construction. Over time, this infrastructure is likely to improve Andhra Pradesh’s attractiveness as an investment destination with global connectivity.
Integration with State Development Vision
The project fits into Andhra Pradesh’s broader vision of infrastructure-led growth. By linking airports with ports and highways, the state aims to build efficient economic corridors.
Such integration supports balanced regional development and reduces overdependence on metropolitan cities.
Static GK fact: Infrastructure connectivity is a key indicator used by states to improve rankings in Ease of Doing Business assessments.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport and Andhra Pradesh’s Connectivity Push:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project Name | Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport |
| Approved By | Andhra Pradesh Cabinet |
| Location | Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Airport Type | Greenfield airport |
| Total Land Area | 1,332.80 acres |
| Development Model | Public–private partnership |
| Phase 1 Capacity | 1.4 million passengers per year |
| Long-term Capacity | Up to 15 million passengers annually |
| Strategic Linkages | Ports, highways, industrial clusters |
