Electric buses arrive in Visakhapatnam ahead of Bhogapuram airport launch
The first three electric buses earmarked for services to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport arrived at the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation’s (APSRTC) Visakhapatnam Steel Plant depot on Wednesday, marking the start of a broader initiative to establish a cleaner public transport network ahead of the airport’s commissioning.
APSRTC is expected to receive the remaining buses over the coming week, taking the dedicated fleet to 20. The vehicles, supplied by Pinnacle Solutions through the GreenCell Mobility platform, have been designed specifically for airport operations and feature a distinctive colour scheme.
The fleet will provide direct connectivity between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram International Airport through two routes covering key residential, commercial and transit hubs across Visakhapatnam.
The first route will pass through NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Maddilapalem, Hanumanthawaka, Madhurawada, Anandapuram and Tagarapuvalasa. The second will operate via Scindia, Railway Station, Dwaraka Bus Station, VMRDA Park, Rushikonda, IT Hills, Marikivalasa, Anandapuram and Tagarapuvalasa before reaching the airport.
Regional Manager B. Appala Naidu, who inspected the buses upon their arrival, said APSRTC would conduct trial runs before formally launching the service. The trials will help determine bus stop locations and fine-tune schedules to improve operational efficiency and passenger convenience.
Officials estimate that the journey between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram currently takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on traffic conditions. Mr. Naidu said the corporation is also exploring measures to reduce travel time.
The dedicated electric fleet forms part of the state’s preparations for the opening of Bhogapuram International Airport, which is expected to emerge as a major aviation gateway for north coastal Andhra Pradesh. The bus service will be formally inaugurated after the State government grants the necessary operational clearance.