NDA Increases Infrastructure Budget to ₹12.02 Lakh Crore for National Development
Union Minister Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma highlighted the government's massive increase in infrastructure spending to ₹12.02 lakh crore. During an inspection of the Vijayawada International Airport's new terminal, he reaffirmed the commitment to completing the project by December to enhance domestic and international travel capacity.
Highlights
- •The NDA government has boosted infrastructure funding to ₹12.02 lakh crore over 12 years.
- •A new terminal at Vijayawada International Airport is being built for ₹824.28 crore.
- •The terminal will feature 24 check-in counters and serve 3.5 million passengers annually.
- •Minister Srinivasa Varma confirmed the airport terminal is expected to be operational by December.
The NDA government has demonstrated a significant commitment to strengthening the nation's transportation network. According to Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, the Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, the administration has successfully increased the total budget allocation for infrastructure development to ₹12.02 lakh crore over the past 12 years, a substantial jump from the previous allocation of ₹2 lakh crore.
The minister shared these figures while reviewing ongoing construction work at the Vijayawada International Airport alongside Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni and other officials on Wednesday. The inspection highlighted the government's focus on modernizing key transport hubs to accommodate growing passenger demand and improve overall connectivity.
Modernizing Vijayawada Airport Infrastructure
The redevelopment of the Vijayawada International Airport terminal is a pivotal project currently underway with a revised budget of ₹824.28 crore. The facility is being constructed across a massive 51,315 square metre area, including the basement, to serve as a high-capacity gateway. Once fully operational, the terminal is projected to manage nearly 3.5 million passengers annually, effectively balancing the load of 800 domestic and 400 international flights.
The infrastructure project integrates advanced facilities to streamline the travel experience. Planned amenities within the new terminal include 24 check-in counters, eight combined customs and immigration desks, and six passenger boarding bridges. Furthermore, the site will feature nine departure gates, 10 escalators, and 19 elevators to ensure smooth transit for passengers. Addressing vehicular congestion and convenience, the development also encompasses a parking facility capable of holding 648 cars, complemented by a 1,270-metre-long elevated road.
Minister Srinivasa Varma emphasized the importance of timely project delivery, noting that the ongoing infrastructure development remains on track. He expressed firm confidence that the new terminal facilities will be ready and accessible for passengers by the end of December. This project is reflective of the broader national strategy to enhance critical transit networks, fostering regional economic growth and improved logistics across the country.
