APSRTC plans electric bus services to Bhogapuram airport
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is preparing to introduce electric bus services connecting Visakhapatnam with the upcoming greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram, ahead of its scheduled commissioning.
Around 20 electric buses are expected to arrive in the city from Pune next week. The services will initially operate on a trial basis, following a route survey conducted by the corporation up to the airport, located about 60 km from Visakhapatnam.
According to official sources, the fleet is proposed to be expanded in phases to about 50 buses, depending on passenger demand. Of the initial allocation, 10 buses are planned to operate between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram, while another 10 buses will run on the same route via Scindia. The feasibility of operating services via Adavivaram is also under examination.
The corporation is also setting up dedicated passenger waiting lounges at major locations across the city for airport-bound commuters. Each lounge will have a capacity of over 35 passengers.
In the first phase, lounges will be established at Yendada, Venkojipalem, Gurudwara, NAD, and Autonagar. Additional facilities are planned at the Railway Station, RTC Complex, Hanumanthawaka, and VMRDA Park. Officials are also considering additional boarding points along the Sheelanagar, Muralinagar, Maddilapalem, Madhurawada, Kommadi, and Anandapuram corridors.
APSRTC is expected to conduct trial runs on two identified routes before commencing regular services.
The proposed bus operations coincide with ongoing infrastructure works to improve connectivity to Bhogapuram airport. The State government is upgrading seven major arterial roads linking Visakhapatnam to the airport to reduce travel time to around 45 minutes.
The main access road connects to the Anakapalli–Anandapuram bypass. Other key links include the Bheemili–Tagarapuvalasa stretch, which connects to National Highway 16. Widening works are underway on the Vepagunta–Pinagadi and Vepagunta–Juttada corridors. The Boyapalem–Kapuluppada and Adavivaram–Gandigundam bypasses are also expected to provide direct connectivity to NH-16.