Operations at the Bhogapuram International Airport are likely to commence between July and August this year, with inauguration being considered on dates such as July five or eight, or August 17 or 19 and the final schedule depending on the availability of the Prime Minister and a decision by the Chief Minister. The Roads and Buildings Minister and the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises inspected the site and reported that the work has accelerated after the Chief Minister reviewed pending issues. They acknowledged the role of the Union Civil Aviation Minister in advancing the project. Officials stated that the overall project has achieved over 98 per cent progress, with earthworks, the runway and the taxiway completed. The passenger terminal building is at 98.76 per cent completion, the Air Traffic Control tower stands at 95.75 per cent, ancillary buildings are at 93.54 per cent and the main access road is at around 90 per cent. The project began in 2014 and accelerated after focused reviews addressed earlier delays. The greenfield airport, being developed by GMR Group, is designed to handle six million (mn) passengers annually and is being built to international standards. It will feature 40 check-in counters, 12 Digi Yatra pods, 26 immigration counters, a 3,800-metre runway and apron space for 18 aircraft, and work on the trumpet interchange is in progress. Terminal and airside works have been prioritised to meet the proposed commissioning timeline. Connectivity works have been prioritised and seven major road projects linking Visakhapatnam to the airport are under way, while a Detailed Project Report for an elevated corridor at Anandapuram Junction is being prepared and the Beach Road corridor alignment has been finalised. Regulatory processes including the aerodrome licence and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security clearances are under way, and steps are being taken to obtain customs and immigration notifications ahead of commissioning. Officials were directed to expedite road development to ensure smooth access and operational readiness.