Connectivity concerns persist ahead of Bhogapuram airport launch
With the proposed inauguration of the Bhogapuram International Airport reportedly scheduled for the first week of July, concerns are growing over the lack of adequate road connectivity and passenger transport infrastructure to facilitate seamless travel from Visakhapatnam and its surrounding areas.
Once the new airport becomes operational, flight services are expected to be shifted from the existing Visakhapatnam airport, making Bhogapuram the sole gateway for air travellers in the region. Passengers from the city, as well as industrial centres such as Gajuwaka, Parawada and Anakapalle, will have to travel nearly 60 km to reach the airport.
At present, the journey from Gajuwaka to Bhogapuram via the National Highway takes close to two hours during peak traffic periods, while commuters from central parts of the city require around 90 minutes. With an estimated 10,000 passengers and visitors accessing the airport every day, traffic congestion on the corridor is expected to intensify further after the commencement of operations.
To improve connectivity, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has taken up seven master plan roads linking the airport region. While three roads have been completed, four others remain under various stages of construction.
However, transport planners point out that only two of these roads are likely to provide direct benefits to airport-bound passengers. The Adivivaram-Shonthyam road and the Pinagadi-Vepagunta link road would enable commuters to access the Anakapalle-Anandapuram National Highway and proceed towards Bhogapuram. Even these routes are expected to encounter traffic bottlenecks at key junctions such as Vepagunta, Simhachalam and Adivivaram.
The proposed Coastal Corridor, envisaged as a long-term solution for airport connectivity, remains at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage. Given the time required for approvals and construction, the project is unlikely to provide any immediate relief.
Passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam city may have to continue relying on existing routes through Maddilapalem, Isukathota, Hanumanthawaka, Endada, PM Palem, Kommadi, Boyapalem and Anandapuram. Despite the sanction of Central funds for flyovers along parts of the corridor, the projects have not progressed, reportedly due to the State government’s decision to integrate future road infrastructure planning with the proposed Metro Rail project.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has announced plans to operate 20 electric buses connecting Bhogapuram Airport with various parts of the city, including Gajuwaka and Kurmannapalem. Route surveys have already been completed.
The proposal, however, has drawn mixed responses from frequent flyers, who question whether public bus services would be a practical option for passengers carrying multiple pieces of luggage. Concerns have also been raised over the availability of adequate luggage space in the buses.
The Andhra Pradesh Air Passengers Association has urged the authorities to establish air-conditioned passenger lounges at multiple locations in the city. The association has proposed facilities such as seating areas, ATMs, medical stores and food courts, along with dedicated shuttle services to the airport. No official response has been forthcoming so far.
Responding to the concerns, MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas said passengers could reach Bhogapuram much faster by taking the Hanumanthawaka-Adivivaram-Anandapuram route. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat said efforts were under way to reduce travel time to around 45 to 50 minutes through the completion of the master plan roads.
With the airport’s inauguration drawing closer, uncertainty over last-mile connectivity continues to remain a major concern among prospective passengers.