VMRDA approves funds for DPR on Rambilli–Bhogapuram semi ring road
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority has approved Rs 4.84 crore to engage a professional consultancy to prepare a detailed project report for an access-controlled greenfield semi-ring road linking Rambilli in Anakapalli district with Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.
The authority made the decision at its recent meeting. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier reviewed the proposal in Visakhapatnam. He later assigned VMRDA the responsibility for preparing the project blueprint.
The proposed road will stretch about 90 km. It will run west of the existing National Highway. The alignment will start at Rambilli, where a naval alternate operating base is under development. It will pass through Kothavalasa and other parts of Vizianagaram district before ending at Bhogapuram, the location of the upcoming international airport.
The new corridor will complement the six-lane highway already in operation between Anakapalli and Anandapuram. Authorities expect it to improve traffic flow and strengthen regional connectivity.
VMRDA Chairperson Pranav Gopal said the project would begin with a four-lane carriageway. If traffic demand increases, the authority may opt for a greenfield alignment. In that case, it will acquire the entire right-of-way at the outset to allow for expansion up to eight lanes, along with service roads.
He said VMRDA would provide service roads with a minimum width of 10 metres in inhabited areas. The main highway would remain strictly access-controlled. Spur roads would connect towns, cities, and major establishments along the existing National Highway to the new alignment.
Public representatives from the erstwhile combined Visakhapatnam district have long sought the semi-ring road due to rising traffic volumes. Although the road will not pass through the city of Visakhapatnam, it will offer an alternative route along the Rambilli–Bhogapuram stretch. Officials expect it to reduce congestion and cut travel time.
The project is also expected to boost economic activity, especially around Bhogapuram.
To fund the project, the State government is considering a value capture finance model. The approach aims to reduce dependence on budgetary support and loans. It also seeks to attract private participation and generate long-term revenue through development along the corridor.