Rani Devalla Visakhapatnam

Asthe countdown for the inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport commences, Visakhapatnam breaks into a celebration mode.

For the past few weeks, the new airport in Bhogapuram has been hogging the limelight for apparent reasons.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving to inaugurate the Greenfield airport on August 1 (Saturday), an army of ministers, public representatives and Collectors from North Andhra districts got on their toes to pull out all stops to ensure smooth execution of the inaugural.

Emphasising the significance of the Greenfield airport and its economic impact on the region cultural programmes, a beach walk and a flash mob under the theme ‘Proudly Vizag,’ and a 5-K run were featured in Visakhapatnam.

In addition, an impressive drone show highlighting the airport was featured at the Beach Road.

Customised vehicles with digital screens highlighting Bhogapuram Airport were seen at various places in the city. Among other features, north Andhra’s tradition and culture are set to take centre stage during the airport inauguration. While 200 Classical dancers will welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the terminal, as many as 13,000 tribal women will perform the mammoth Dhimsa at the venue.

Along with the Dhimsa dance presentation, which is expected to gain an entry into the Guinness World Records for the largest participation, authorities concerned are also focusing on promoting regional attractions, including the globally-popular Araku coffee.

Extensive transport arrangements are in place to mobilise people for the ‘public sabha’ that will follow the inaugural ceremony. Parking space has been arranged to station around 1,400 buses. Food arrangements have been made for close to 73,000 people.

Arrangements related to drinking water, traffic management and parking lots have been wrapped up.

With Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu keen on highlighting North Andhra tradition, a wide awareness campaign has been initiated with the theme focusing on ‘wings to the dreams of North Andhra’.

Meanwhile, schools have been declared holiday both in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram on August 1.

On the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit to Bhogapuram for the airport launch, Visakhapatnam exuded a festive charm.