Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has revived plans for an airport in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, specifically in Dagadarthi. Previously shelved during the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration, the project is now moving forward as authorities have been instructed to prepare an updated Detailed Project Report (DPR) reflecting current prices and initiate tender calls within two months. Given rising costs, the government aims to prepare estimates based on new price benchmarks. With land availability confirmed and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) approvals in place, officials anticipate construction to commence soon after contractor selection.
The Dagadarthi airport project was initially launched by former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in 2019, with plans to develop it over 1,352 acres at an estimated Rs. 30,000 crore through Turbo Consortium. However, the Jagan government had later proposed relocating the airport to Thettu, with 2,000 acres designated—primarily forest lands. Due to land-use challenges, obtaining environmental clearances has delayed the Thettu project, despite AAI feasibility studies.
Reviving the Dagadarthi airport is expected to boost regional connectivity and drive economic growth in Nellore district.
