Bhogapuram Airport Nears Test Flight, Roads Set for 2026 Finish

The Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport is getting ready for its validation flight in December, and the focus has now shifted to the road network that will connect the new facility to Visakhapatnam and nearby districts. To match the airport’s pace, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has fixed May 2026 as the deadline to finish seven major master plan roads.

The 26.72 km stretch has slowed down largely because of land acquisition issues. Officials said around 75 acres of private land still need to be secured. Compensation is being offered through cash, alternative plots and transferable development rights (TDRs), but only a few landowners have opted for TDRs so far.

The seven roads, estimated at Rs 156 crore including CSR contributions, are designed to reduce congestion on the national highway and improve access for travellers from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.

VMRDA is also preparing to widen 15 internal roads at a cost of Rs 390 crore. A six-lane coastal corridor from Beach Road to Bhogapuram is in the pipeline, with the Detailed Project Report finalised. Four elevated corridors connecting Aganampudi–Lankelapalem to Kommadi have also been proposed.

According to officials, land must be acquired from 348 owners. “We have issued 155 TDRs so far. Only vegetation clearance and foundation work have started. Forest clearance is pending for a few stretches, but we expect progress to pick up soon,” an official said.

VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal said the authority aims to finish the road works before domestic flights begin. “We are targeting May 2026 despite the challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, work at the new airport is ahead of schedule. About 90 percent of the terminal building is ready. Runway construction is 97 percent complete and taxiway work has reached 92 percent. The validation flight is expected in December.