A government panel has given its ‘in principle’ approval for three new airports in Andhra Pradesh that are estimated to cost Rs 2,376 crore. Besides, the Steering Committee on greenfield airports has given site clearance for the proposed aerodrome at Kothagudem in Telangana.

‘In principle’ nod has been granted for airport projects at Bhogapuram and Dagadarthi, both in Nellore district, and Orvakallu in Kurnool district.

The international airport at Bhogapuram will be developed by the Andhra Pradesh government under public private partnership (PPP) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore to cater to 6.3 million passengers per annum in the initial phase. The other two will be developed as domestic no-frills airports with an estimated cost of Rs 88 crore each. While Dagadarthi will be developed under PPP mode, Orvakallu will be taken by the state government itself.