Poor response hits Aero Express service to Bhogapuram Airport
The Aero Express bus service launched by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram Airport has got off to a muted start, with occupancy remaining low in the first few days of operation.
According to officials, the service recorded occupancy of around 20 per cent in the first two days. They attributed the low occupancy mainly to the absence of adequate waiting facilities for air travellers at city bus stops.
Though several bus shelters in the city were modernised by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) a few years ago, many still lack basic amenities. For passengers travelling to the airport with luggage, the lack of adequate waiting space has discouraged many from using the service.
With cabs offering doorstep convenience, many passengers are choosing private taxis over Aero Express buses. As a result, the buses are operating with low patronage on the city-to-airport route.
However, the service has fared better at Bhogapuram Airport. An Aero Express bus stationed outside the terminal has recorded occupancy of 70 to 80 per cent when a flight lands and more than 100 passengers leave the terminal at once, officials said.
The absence of dedicated passenger lounges at key locations in the city has further hampered the service. The Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers Association had raised the issue with GMR management about six months ago and sought the establishment of lounges at major points.
GMR had agreed to the proposal and identified nine locations, with container-based lounges proposed initially at five locations. However, the facilities are yet to come up.
Sources said officials had been informed that funds were not available for the project. The estimated cost of setting up the lounges is around ₹25 lakh. While land has reportedly been allotted, GMR is responsible for constructing the lounges.
The delay has added to the pressure on APSRTC, which is required to operate the airport bus services despite limited demand.
Travel time is another factor working against the service. While a cab or private vehicle takes about 70 to 80 minutes to cover the distance between Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram, the bus takes about 90 to 100 minutes.
Passengers have also pointed out that buses sometimes take 15 to 20 minutes to leave the airport after boarding is completed. Congestion at Satyam Junction, Isukathota, Hanumanthawaka, Endada, Car Shed and Kommadi Junction further increases the travel time.
When contacted, APSRTC Regional Manager Appal Naidu said the current occupancy was around 25 per cent and expressed hope that patronage would improve as awareness of the service grows.
O. Naresh Kumar, vice-president of the Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers Association, urged GMR to expedite the construction of the proposed lounges. Without adequate passenger infrastructure at key locations, the Aero Express service would struggle to attract travellers, he said.