Andhra Pradesh Clears Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport to Boost Nellore’s Connectivity

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport project in Nellore district, marking a major step in strengthening the state’s aviation and logistics infrastructure. The airport is expected to improve regional connectivity, support industrial growth, and integrate air transport with ports and highways, making southern Andhra Pradesh more competitive and investment-ready.

Why in the News?

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport at Nellore. With this decision, Dagadarthi will become Andhra Pradesh’s 8th airport, enhancing the state’s aviation network.

Project Location and Strategic Importance

Dagadarthi airport is strategically located with strong connectivity to national highways, industrial clusters, and two major ports Krishnapatnam Port and Ramayapatnam Port. Its proximity to industrial hubs such as KRIS City and IFFCO SEZs positions the airport as a key enabler for manufacturing, agri-logistics, exports, and services-led growth in southern Andhra Pradesh.

Project Approval and Development Model

The project has already received in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The state government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite private players for development, operation, and maintenance under a long-term concession framework, reflecting a public–private partnership (PPP) approach.

Capacity, Phasing, and Future Expansion

Planned over multiple phases, the airport will be developed on 1,332.80 acres. In Phase-1, it will handle 1.4 million passengers per annum, with scalability up to 15 million passengers annually in the long term. The master plan also includes a future cargo facility, aligned with rising industrial production and port-led trade activity in the region.

Economic and Regional Impact

The Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport is envisioned as a catalyst for regional transformation. It is expected to reduce logistics costs, attract fresh investments in industry and warehousing, generate employment across aviation and allied sectors, and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as a preferred business and export destination with improved global connectivity.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	AP Cabinet approved Dagadarthi Airport
Location	Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
Airport Type	Greenfield airport
AP Airport Count	8th airport in the state
Phase-1 Capacity	1.4 million passengers/year
Long-term Capacity	Up to 15 million passengers/year

Question

Q. The Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport has been approved in which district of Andhra Pradesh?

A. Visakhapatnam
B. Chittoor
C. Nellore
D. Anantapur