With the construction of the Bhogapuram international airport moving at a brisk pace, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a vital initiative to protect the site from seasonal flooding.

The Water Resources Department has recently finalised a contract for an advanced drainage and rainwater management system to shield the green field airport and its surrounding areas from natural hazards.

This project focuses on upgrading and building a robust network of local canals to divert floodwaters during heavy rains. By ensuring that runways and terminals remain dry, this intiative ensures the security needed for long-term operations.

Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Water Resources Department Superintending Engineer (Visakhapatnam) P. Appalanaidu confirmed the ₹19-crore contract was awarded to Nellore-based RKN Infrastructures.

While the Bhogapuram airport is targeting a June-July 2026 inauguration, the department has set June deadline for these drainage works.

“While the Water Resources Department provides technical support beyond the airport boundaries, the contractor is expected to begin the work within the next few days. The essential survey for the work has been completed recently,” Mr. Appalanaidu said.

The work includes the restoration, desilting, and capacity improvement of seven major outflow canals, which are critical for preventing waterlogging and ensuring smooth discharge of floodwater into the irrigation network, without affecting the farmlands nearby.

“As the airport prepares for commissioning, these works are being treated as high-priority to ensure that the site is operationally ready before its scheduled inauguration,” Mr. Appalanaidu said.

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