Srikakulam to Get Airport Under UDAN Scheme

Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh will get a full-fledged airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) scheme. The proposed airport is planned for Mandasa mandal in the Uddanam region, while Palasa has been earmarked for a domestic airport on 1,261 acres.

UDAN Scheme and Airport Expansion

UDAN is the regional connectivity scheme of the Union Government for improving air links to smaller cities and towns. The modified UDAN scheme has a financial outlay of ₹28,840 crore for 2026-27 to 2035-36, and it aims to develop 100 new airports between 2026 and 2036. The scheme operates through viability gap funding, route concessions, and support for regional air connectivity. It is implemented under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the Airports Authority of India playing a major role in airport development and route support.

Srikakulam Airport Project Details

An understanding agreement was signed on 15 November 2025 between the Airports Authority of India and the Andhra Pradesh Airport Development Corporation for a greenfield airport in Srikakulam. The feasibility survey for the project has been completed, and the airport is planned on 1,383 acres in two phases. Land acquisition has been taken up for 680 acres in Phase 1 and 536 acres in Phase 2. Officials have stated that no villages will be relocated and that fair compensation will be provided to private landowners.

Bhogapuram Airport and Regional Connectivity

Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district is another airport project linked to Srikakulam’s air connectivity. The airport is being developed by GMR Group and has recorded more than 98% progress as of 6 April 2026. A validation flight with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on board landed at Bhogapuram on 6 January 2026. The runway, navigation systems, and safety protocols were checked during the flight.

Important Facts for Exams

• UDAN stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik.
• UDAN is India’s regional connectivity scheme under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Greenfield airports are built on undeveloped land and are planned as new aviation facilities.
• Andhra Pradesh has multiple airport projects linked to regional connectivity, including Srikakulam and Bhogapuram.

Local Opposition and Land Use

The CPI(M) district unit in Srikakulam has opposed the proposed airport, citing concerns over the agricultural character of the Uddanam region. Uddanam is known for coconut cultivation and is a major agricultural belt in Srikakulam district.