Proposed airport lounges in Visakhapatnam yet to take shape
With Bhogapuram International Airport scheduled to commence operations on August 17, the proposed passenger lounges at various locations in Visakhapatnam are yet to take shape.
GMR, the operator of the new airport, had announced plans to establish dedicated lounges in the city to facilitate passengers travelling to Bhogapuram. However, no work has begun at any of the locations identified for the facilities, even as the opening of the airport draws closer.
The proposal was made following a request from the Andhra Pradesh Air Passengers Association. Nine locations were identified for the lounges, including Autonagar, NAD Junction, Gurudwara Junction, Venkojipalem, Hanumanthavaka Junction, Endada Junction, VMRDA Park and Dwaraka RTC Complex in Visakhapatnam, besides the RTC Complex in Srikakulam.
The State government had directed the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to allot suitable land for the facilities. It had suggested that at least 100 square yards be allocated at locations close to, but slightly away from, the existing bus stops.
Under the proposal, GMR was to install 40-ft-by-10-ft containers at the identified sites. The lounges were to be equipped with air-conditioning, seating facilities and a small restaurant.
GMR and the authorities had also reportedly reached an agreement on the annual lease payments for the sites. The company had initially proposed taking up the work on a priority basis at Autonagar, NAD Junction, Gurudwara Junction, Venkojipalem and VMRDA Park.
However, there has been no visible progress at any of these locations. The containers required for the lounges have not yet been transported from Chennai.
Sources said the authorities were considering waiting some time before commencing the project to assess passenger response once the airport becomes operational.
Electric buses ready for airport connectivity
Meanwhile, preparations for public transport connectivity to Bhogapuram airport have progressed. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has decided to deploy 20 newly acquired electric buses on designated routes connecting Visakhapatnam with the airport.
All 20 buses have arrived in the city and trial runs are currently underway. The APSRTC has stated that the buses will be operated on the routes already finalised.
From August 17, all scheduled flights currently operating from Visakhapatnam Airport are expected to shift to Bhogapuram. Several airlines have already revised their schedules, while ticket fares are being collected after factoring in the applicable user charges at the new airport.
Meanwhile, construction of master-plan roads connecting various parts of Visakhapatnam with the national highway has also progressed. Except for two roads, the remaining stretches are reportedly ready for vehicular movement.
With the airport’s opening date approaching, the delay in setting up the proposed city lounges has raised concerns about the availability of dedicated facilities for passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram.