VMRDA Claims Progress in Road Works to Ease Travel to Bhogapuram Airport
The road network will be fully integrated by the time Bhogapuram airport begins commercial flight operations
Visakhapatnam: Amid growing public concern over traffic hassles between Visakhapatnam and the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, VMRDA commissioner Tej Bharat has urged air travellers to plan their journeys well in advance.
He explained that while 12 flyover proposals have been drawn up. all these are linked to the metro project. Hence, the work would take time to start. These flyovers, he said, do not fall under VMRDA’s immediate jurisdiction.
Instead, the authority is prioritising the development of seven Master Plan roads to improve connectivity and ease congestion, he said.
According to a VMRDA status report, construction on these seven priority roads is progressing steadily. The primary aim is to decongest NH 16 by creating a network of arterial roads that would provide alternative routes for travellers from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
These roads are also expected to streamline access to the Bhogapuram airport once the commercial operations begin.
Among the projects, the Thimmapuram to Marikivalasa stretch (Road 10) has been fully completed. The 6.3-km road, built to a width of 30 metres, is now operational. The Boyapalem to Kapuluppada corridor (Road 7) has achieved over 50 per cent physical completion following the finalisation of tenders.
The Tallavalasa to Kothavalasa route (Road 5) is 36 per cent complete, with 87 per cent of the land acquisition finalized. The projected completion date is May 22, 2026.
Similarly, the Adavivaram to Sontyam corridor (Road 12) has reached 33 per cent completion, though certain sections await clearance from the forest department.
The other projects, he said, are in earlier stages. The Vepagunta to Juttada road (Road 14) has begun ground-level work. The Vepagunta to Pinagadi project (Road 15) is being executed in segments, with some awaiting administrative sanction. Meanwhile, the Bheemili to Dorathota Junction Road (Road 6) remains in the pre-tendering phase, pending financial approval.
Commissioner Tej Bharat, along with VMRDA chairperson Pranav Gopal, said most of these projects are scheduled for completion between May and June 2026. The road network will be fully integrated by the time Bhogapuram airport begins commercial flight operations, he said.
This, he said woud help provide smoother connectivity and reduce travel delays for passengers.
