With the State government scheduling the formal inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (ASRIA) at Bhogapuram in July, work on the dedicated cargo terminal has entered the final phase of civil construction, with preparations under way for its launch between August and September.

Speaking to The Hindu on May 26, reliable sources tracking the project confirmed that more than 98% of the airport’s infrastructure is complete. “The warehouse works of the cargo terminal are currently being finalised. We are anticipating the operational launch of this terminal shortly after the formal commencement of commercial flights, most likely in August or September.”

The upcoming terminal, featuring a total built-up area of 5,000 square metres, has advanced well beyond its initial development phases. Once fully operational alongside the main commercial runways, the facility will hold a planned annual handling capacity of approximately 25,000 metric tonnes (MT), positioning it as a primary gateway for high-value air logistics in the Visakhapatnam region.

High value shipments

According to layout specifications, the facility will support key cargo segments across pharmaceuticals, perishables, textiles, engineering goods, electronics, and e-commerce. Project planners emphasise a strict focus on high-value, time-sensitive shipments, particularly pharma, seafood, and digital trade goods requiring cold-chain integration.

The strategic necessity of this terminal is underscored by the region’s export profile. Currently, nearly 70% of India’s shrimp exports destined for the United States market originate from the Visakhapatnam Port. While maritime routes dominate bulk shipments, local trade bodies have repeatedly advocated for rapid air cargo connectivity to minimise transit delays for premium food exports and biological pharmaceutical shipments.

Industrial tailwinds

Andhra Pradesh currently contributes 4.4% to India’s total exports, ranking sixth nationally. The operationalisation of the Bhogapuram cargo ecosystem is expected to significantly boost the State’s export competitiveness, matching the scale of multi-billion-dollar investments materialising in the Visakhapatnam industrial corridor.

Logistics experts point out that the terminal will act as a critical enabler for incoming mega-facilities. Google’s planned 15-billion-dollar, 1-gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre and Reliance Industries Limited’s proposed ₹1.6 lakh crore AI-focused data centre cluster are expected to heavily drive demand for the rapid movement of advanced electronics, servers, and semiconductor components.

Regional trade

Similarly, heavy industrial projects will rely on this infrastructure to streamline engineering supply chains. ArcelorMittal’s ₹1.5 lakh crore steel plant and NTPC’s ₹1.85 lakh crore Green Hydrogen Hub are projected to generate a steady requirement for the quick transit of specialised machinery and precision tools.

To ensure seamless transit, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and local civic bodies have accelerated the completion of major master plan roads and the dedicated trumpet interchange connecting the facility directly to National Highway 16. The comprehensive integration of these roads is scheduled for completion by June-end, clearing the path for full-scale logistical operations.