Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a landmark moment in its development journey with the launch of the GMR–MANASA Aviation EduCity project, said Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, describing the initiative as a model that will set global benchmarks in aviation education and skill development. Speaking at the project launch and MoU signing ceremony in Visakhapatnam, Lokesh said the state government is working with a clear vision to ensure that at least 25 percent of the global civil aviation workforce comes from Telugu-speaking regions.
The GMR–MANASA Aviation EduCity will be developed over 136.63 acres at Annavaram village in Bhogapuram near Bheemunipatnam, with support from the MANASA Trust. The project aims to create a world-class aviation education ecosystem that integrates education, industry, infrastructure and employment under one comprehensive framework. The Memorandum of Understanding between GMR and MANASA was signed in the presence of Minister Nara Lokesh at a formal event held in Visakhapatnam.
Addressing the gathering, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh is moving forward with bold decisions driven by long-term vision. He remarked that visionary leadership is often mocked by those who lack vision, but history proves the strength of such decisions. Drawing a parallel, he recalled how the Hyderabad international airport project was once questioned, only to later emerge as one of the world’s leading airports and a major contributor to Telangana’s economy. He credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s foresight for planning infrastructure with a 100-year perspective.
Lokesh stated that the coalition government’s goal is not limited to setting up institutions, but to build complete ecosystems that can transform regions. He explained that aviation is both a vertical and horizontal sector, involving thousands of component industries and skilled professionals, and that the EduCity will address this need by producing industry-ready talent for global markets. He said education and industry will be seamlessly integrated to ensure students are job-ready from day one.
Highlighting the role of the MANASA Trust and the Pusapati royal family, Lokesh praised their decision to provide land free of cost for public development. He called it a rare and inspiring gesture that reflects a deep commitment to social progress. He also acknowledged the contributions of senior leaders and young ministers, stating that Andhra Pradesh’s progress is powered by a combination of experienced guidance and energetic execution.
The minister reiterated that the state is following a cluster-based development model, similar to global best practices, with over 20 clusters being developed across Andhra Pradesh. He said the government aims to create 20 lakh jobs over the next five years through systematic planning and large-scale investments. He added that major IT companies such as TCS and Cognizant came to the state due to bold policy decisions, and more global companies are expected to announce investments in Visakhapatnam soon.
Lokesh assured that the Aviation EduCity will be developed within 12 months and will emerge as a global institution comparable to the best international aviation and management schools. He said the coalition government has taken responsibility to make Andhra Pradesh a number one state in development, employment and global talent supply, with aviation education playing a key role in that mission.
The event was attended by Goa Governor and MANASA Trust Chairman P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, AP Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, GMR Airports Chairman GBS Raju, Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Vizianagaram MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju and other senior leaders.
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What You See in Andhra Pradesh Today Is History in the Making: Nara Lokesh
