Modified UDAN Scheme with ₹28,840 Cr Outlay; New Jodhpur Airport Terminal at ₹480 Cr

PM Modi Inaugurates ₹5,640 Cr Greenfield ASR International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram, a greenfield project built under PPP mode at ₹5,640 crore. The airport, with 6 million annual passenger capacity, aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. For exams, this is a key example of infrastructure development under PPP, sustainable design, and regional connectivity strategy.

PM Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju Airport: ₹4,700 Cr PPP Project in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh gets its first international airport after bifurcation (2014) with PM Modi inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Built under PPP/DBFOT model by GMR Group at ₹4,700+ crore, it will decongest INS Dega and boost trade, tourism, and regional development.

MoCA Plans to Cap Airport Bundles per Bidder in Next Privatisation of 11 Airports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) plans to cap the number of airport bundles awarded to a single bidder in the upcoming privatisation round to prevent market concentration and over-leveraging. The PPPAC has given in-principle approval for bundling 11 airports into 5 groups for a 50-year concession, with cross-subsidisation and cross-sectoral bidding allowed.

Ahmedabad Becomes 3rd Indian City with Hub-and-Spoke Model; Boosts International Connectivity via Delhi to 15 Destinations

Ahmedabad launched hub-and-spoke international flight services, becoming the third Indian city after Amritsar and Varanasi. This model allows passengers from smaller cities to complete baggage, customs, and immigration checks at the originating airport, eliminating repeated procedures at the hub. The move aims to enhance global connectivity for Gujarat's large NRI community and boost trade, tourism, and industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds.

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: ₹5,640 Cr Greenfield Airport Dedicated in Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh — the state's first greenfield airport built at ₹5,640 crore under PPP. This event marks a major push for regional aviation, with the airport designed to handle 6 million passengers annually, and signals the government's focus on connecting smaller cities through expanded airport infrastructure (74 airports in 2014 → 166 now).

First Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance Depot at Jodhpur; ₹167 Cr Phase Nears Completion, Capacity 3 Rakes

Indian Railways has established its first maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains at Jodhpur, crucial for large-scale induction of the sleeper variant. The ₹167 crore first phase is nearly complete, with capacity to maintain 3 rakes (24 coaches each) within 6 hours, supporting long-distance premium train services and boosting the Make in India initiative.

NHAI Issues New Guidelines for High-Speed Corridors: Lane Norms, Barrier-less Tolling, and Vision 2047 Target

NHAI has issued comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of high-speed corridors (expressways), including lane norms based on traffic volume (PCU), access control, signage, barrier-less tolling, and boundary walls. This move aims to standardize DPR preparation and aligns with India's Vision 2047 target of 50,000 km of high-speed corridors by 2036-37. Students must note the PCU thresholds, signage distances, and the RCC boundary wall height for prelims.

₹25,106 Cr for 18 Rail Projects to Boost Haldia Port Connectivity in Eastern India

Indian Railways has initiated 18 projects covering 2,455 km to decongest and enhance rail connectivity to Haldia Port, a key eastern gateway for freight. With a total sanctioned cost of ₹25,106 Cr for 8 projects, this is a major infrastructure push under PM Gati Shakti, directly relevant for Prelims data and Mains questions on logistics, port-rail integration, and regional development.