MP flags access road concerns as Bhogapuram airport nears launch
The Bhogapuram International Airport, being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), is set to receive its validation flight on January 4. With commercial flight operations expected to begin soon, concerns are mounting over the absence of proper road connectivity to the greenfield airport.
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat pointed out that traffic volumes in Visakhapatnam city, its surrounding suburbs, and Vizianagaram district are increasing steadily. In this context, he warned that inadequate access roads to the new airport could trigger serious traffic congestion once flight services commence.
“There will be traffic snarls when operations start at Bhogapuram airport. I have brought the issue to the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and stressed the need for direct access from NH-16,” Mr. Sribharat told reporters on Wednesday. MLAs from seven Assembly segments under the Visakhapatnam Parliamentary constituency were present at the press meet.
The MP said the Union Minister had directed officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to examine the proposal and prepare a feasibility report. “We have sought at least two access points from NH-16 to ensure smooth and convenient connectivity for air passengers,” he said.
Mr. Gadkari also agreed with the proposal to construct a trumpet interchange to provide seamless access between the airport and the national highway.
In the meantime, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has acquired land for the development of eight arterial roads to serve as alternative routes to the airport.
Referring to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant issue, Mr. Sribharat said he had met the Union Steel Minister and requested the appointment of a permanent Chairman-cum-Managing Director. However, he observed that the plant’s long-term viability would depend on its ability to operate profitably.
MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao (Bheemunipatnam), P. Vishnu Kumar Raju (BJP, Visakhapatnam North), Vamsi Krishna Srinivas (JSP, Visakhapatnam South), Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu (Visakhapatnam East), PGVR Naidu (Gana Babu, Visakhapatnam West), Kolla Lalitha Kumar (S. Kota), and MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao also addressed the media.