APATA flags Bhogapuram airport connectivity issues
With the Bhogapuram International Airport expected to commence operations shortly, the Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers’ Association (APATA) has flagged concerns over road connectivity from Visakhapatnam and sought interim measures to ease passenger movement.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, APATA president Kumar Raja and vice-president O. Naresh Kumar said that until flyovers, airport lanes or an expressway are completed, passengers would face difficulties in reaching Bhogapuram, located about 50 km from the city.
They said the current route involves 13 to 22 traffic signals, peak-hour congestion and limited public transport, resulting in travel times of 75 minutes to two hours.
Passengers would need to allow about two hours for road travel in addition to the mandatory two-hour early reporting time for flights. Taxi fares for a one-way trip between Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000.
This results in an additional cost of Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per round trip, excluding airfare. The association said traffic delays increase the risk of passengers missing flights.
APATA vice-president D.S. Varma urged the government to continue operating three morning flights between 5.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. and three evening flights between 9 p.m. and midnight from the existing Visakhapatnam airport to major metro destinations.
He said this would not affect naval flight slots and would benefit senior citizens, medical travellers and those unable to manage extended road travel until connectivity improves.
Mr. Varma also called for the completion of access roads and the fast-tracking of projects, including the coastal corridor road, 12 flyovers between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram and roads proposed in the master plan.
The association requested the government to consider developing seven no-frills airports across the State on the lines of the Kadapa and Kurnool models.
It also suggested that the GMR Group operate electric AC bus services from key locations in the city to Bhogapuram and sought the establishment of passenger lounges with seating, food facilities, medical stores and ATMs at major locations.