VMRDA Pushes ₹175 Cr Roads to Boost Bhogapuram Airport Access
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is accelerating work on seven master plan roads worth around ₹175 crore to improve access to the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Officials expect most of the projects to be completed by the end of May, ahead of the airport’s planned operations.
Despite the progress, a key issue remains the absence of direct links between these new roads and the national highway network. At present, several stretches are connected only through service roads, resulting in longer detours for commuters before they reach the main highway. On the Adavivaram–Sontyam route, travellers currently have to cover nearly 10 km via a service road after entering through the Sontyam underpass. Similar connectivity gaps are also seen on the Pinagadi stretch.
On the Neredellavalasa–Tallavalasa corridor, a 3.83 km road is under construction. While access is available from Beach Road up to Tallavalasa, officials are still working on identifying suitable points to link this stretch directly to the highway through an underpass. In the Kapuluppada–Boyapalem road segment, commuters must reach Anandapuram and then travel another 4 km to access the highway. A portion of the Sontyam road alignment is also awaiting forest clearance.
VMRDA officials have raised concerns over providing direct intermediate entries onto highways, citing safety risks due to speed differences of up to 60 km/h between local roads and highway traffic. The authority is holding discussions with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to finalise safer design solutions.
VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal said all seven roads are targeted for completion by June. He added that the Thimmapuram–Marikavalasa stretch has already been completed, while 42% of the Adavivaram–Sontyam road is done, with delays caused by forest clearance issues expected to be resolved with government support.
Metropolitan commissioner N. Tej Bharath said works are progressing steadily with public cooperation and that compensation for affected properties has been completed. He noted that the Gambheeram bridge project will take longer, while the remaining roads are on track.
Officials added that these roads are part of a broader mobility plan, including a proposed coastal corridor and a double rotary metro rail system. The Bheemili–Dorathota Junction stretch remains the only pending project.