VMRDA to deploy drones to track progress of airport link roads
To improve transparency and ensure the timely execution of infrastructure projects, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) will conduct drone videography every Sunday. This will monitor the physical progress of the priority roads outlined in the Master Plan that connect to the Bhogapuram International Airport.
During a review meeting on Monday, VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath directed officials from the Technical and Planning Departments to accelerate ongoing works. He emphasized the need to remove administrative hurdles, particularly those related to compensation and utility shifting, without delay.
Tej Bharath ordered the removal of private structures along the Adavivaram–Sontyam road starting Tuesday, February 24. He also set a deadline of March 15 for shifting 11 KV electrical poles to facilitate road widening.
Addressing works in environmental zones, the Commissioner stated that construction activities in eco-sensitive areas should commence immediately. However, he clarified that work on the 1.8-kilometer stretch passing through protected forest land would begin only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the State government.
To address public grievances, the Commissioner instructed the Planning Department to release pending construction compensation to affected individuals. For the Tallavalasa–Kothavalasa road project, he directed officials to proceed with the removal of structures where consent has already been obtained.
“For owners who have not responded, notices must be issued, and direct discussions should be held to resolve any outstanding issues,” he stated.
He also called for the expedited processing of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) payments for the Boyapalem–Kapuluppada and Vepagunta–Pinagadi road works.