The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a major initiative to strengthen skills in aviation and defence. The state will set up the country’s first Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Education City in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district.
The project is named GMR ManasaS EduCity. It will come up near the Bhogapuram International Airport. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh will formally inaugurate the project on Tuesday in Visakhapatnam.
The EduCity aims to bridge the growing skill gap in aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors. These industries are expanding rapidly in India and across the world. Experts estimate the sector’s market value will reach $57 billion by 2034.
Despite strong growth, India faces a serious shortage of skilled professionals. The country lacks trained pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and aviation safety experts. Every year, only 8,000 aerospace engineers graduate. They form just 0.5 percent of total engineering graduates.
To address this challenge, the government plans to develop the EduCity across 160 acres. GMR ManasaS will lead the project. The campus will serve as an integrated education and innovation hub for aviation and defence fields.
The EduCity will host branch campuses of leading international universities. It will also house advanced research centres. Startup incubation facilities will support innovation and entrepreneurship.
The project aligns with national initiatives like Make in India and the National Education Policy 2020. Through this initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to position the state as a global leader in aviation and aerospace education.
Officials say the project will boost employment opportunities. It will attract global institutions and investments. The EduCity will also strengthen India’s aviation and defence ecosystem.
