Bhogapuram airport connectivity worries mount as Vizag traffic worsens

With traffic congestion worsening in the city, concerns are mounting that commuting to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport could become difficult. Commuters fear reaching the airport, about 49 km away, may take nearly two hours during peak hours due to heavy traffic and multiple signal stops.

Airport-bound passengers travelling from NAD Junction have to cross around 22 traffic signals, while those starting from the RTC Complex face about 13 signals, commuters said. Each signal crossing takes two to three minutes, but during rush hours, the waiting time increases to five minutes or more.

“Crossing one signal takes two to three minutes. In peak hours, it takes longer. If this continues, it will be difficult to reach Bhogapuram on time,” said a daily commuter from NAD.

To improve connectivity, the government proposed completing seven master plan roads to reduce bottlenecks. However, locals allege that road works are moving slowly. “The plans look good on paper, but implementation is slow,” said a residents’ welfare association representative.

Meanwhile, officials have prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 12 flyovers between Car Shed Junction and Lankelapalem. Sources said the flyover proposal was linked to the proposed Metro Rail project, creating uncertainty over when work will begin.

Concerns have also been raised over the possible closure of the existing Visakhapatnam Airport, which could increase cost and travel time for passengers.

In this context, Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju wrote to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking additional Vande Bharat Express services from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Tirupati.

With Bhogapuram expected to boost regional connectivity, citizens urged authorities to speed up road, flyover, and transport infrastructure works to prevent further congestion.