Andhra Cabinet Clears Amaravati Eye Aviation Policy And International University
The Cabinet approved the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026–31, aimed at transforming the State aviation ecosystem through integrated airport infrastructure, expanded cargo and logistics networks and promotion of maintenance, repair and overhaul and aerospace manufacturing. The policy also emphasises training, advanced air mobility and sustainable aviation fuel and seeks to provide aviation-related training to 5,000 individuals annually. The government has set a target of increasing annual passenger handling capacity from six point two million (mn) to 30.38 million by 2035.
Air cargo capacity is projected to rise from 6,240 metric tonnes (t) to 0.427 mn t over the same period, and the policy envisages the establishment of nine new airports and 10 waterdromes to ensure airport access within a 150-km radius across the State. The State aims to attract investments exceeding $1 billion in MRO and aerospace manufacturing and to promote green aviation technologies. Investors will be offered incentives including subsidies, stamp duty reimbursements and viability gap funding alongside skill development support.
The Cabinet approved an amendment to the AP Private Universities Act, 2016, allowing Sri City International University in Tirupati district to be established under the Greenfield category by the Sri City Education Foundation. The institution will be developed with an investment of approximately Rs 2.5 billion (bn) on a 60-acre campus and will focus on research, innovation, industry skills, start-ups and incubators. The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 100 million (mn) for observance of International Yoga Day 2026, and the university has agreed to reserve at least 35 per cent of seats in non-medical courses under the government quota.