Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh is to receive a greenfield airport under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The proposed site is Mandasa mandal in the Uddanam region; local opposition cites risks to cashew and coconut cultivation.
Project snapshot
- Agreement & timeline: Understanding signed on 15 Nov 2025 between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Andhra Pradesh Airport Development Corporation; feasibility survey completed.
- Site & scale: Greenfield airport at Mandasa spanning 1,383 acres to be developed in two phases.
- Phases & land acquisition: Phase I — 680 acres; Phase II — 536 acres; authorities state no village displacement and compensation for private landowners.
UDAN scheme details
- Modified UDAN 2026: Launched 4 July 2026 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore for 2026-27 to 2035-36.
- Targets: Aim to establish 100 new airports and 200 modern helipads under the scheme.
Regional linkages
- Palasa airport: Separate domestic airport planned in Srikakulam district over 1,261 acres.
- Bhogapuram: Bhogapuram International Airport (Vizianagaram) nearing completion with operations expected July 2026; provides regional connectivity.
Local concerns
- Agricultural impact: CPI(M) has raised objections on potential loss to cashew and coconut cultivation in Uddanam.
- Land-use issue: Conversion of agricultural land for aviation infrastructure is a key point of contention.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- AAI role: AAI develops greenfield airports and signs MoUs with state airport development agencies.
- Clearance process: Greenfield projects require feasibility studies, environmental clearances and state-level land acquisition procedures.
- UDAN funding mechanism: Central viability gap funding and route subsidies support operations on newly connected routes.