Visakhapatnam Beach Road is getting upgraded ahead of the opening of Bhogapuram Airport
An aerial view of the Beach Road stretch in Visakhapatnam identified for improvements to facilitate travel to the new Bhogapuram International Airport. | Photo credit: KR Deepak
Ahead of the opening of the Bhogapuram International Airport, which is expected in the first week of July, the district administration has intensified work to connect Visakhapatnam city to the new airport.
As part of the preparations, the stretch of Beach Road from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam is identified for improvements to facilitate travel for airport-bound passengers. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is also considering running a bus service on a route that will connect the city to the Bhogapuram airport.
Recently, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) officials inspected the Beach Road corridor to assess infrastructure needs and work out measures to improve traffic flow. The route is expected to become one of the main access roads to the airport. Commuters will be able to reach Bhogapuram through several connecting routes including Rushikonda-Yendada, Timmapuram-Marikavalasa, Mangamaripeta-Boyapalem, IT Hills-Madhurawada and Bheemunipatnam-Tagarapuvalasa.
Speed breakers under control
During the inspection, GVMC officials reportedly pointed out many speed breakers along the Beach Road stretch that could hamper traffic once the airport becomes operational and traffic increases. Following these observations, the city’s traffic police launched a survey to identify unnecessary speed breakers and find out what is needed for smoother traffic.
Over the years, speed control measures have been installed at several locations on Beach Road to curb reckless driving and illegal racing, making the stretch safer for motorists and pedestrians. The airport is expected to bring heavier traffic and authorities are now examining whether some of these speed breakers can be removed without compromising road safety.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K. Praveen Kumar said the ongoing survey will identify places where speed breakers are no longer needed.
“Inspections are currently underway. We are identifying places where speed breakers are unnecessary and will remove them after proper assessment. Our aim is to ensure smooth flow of vehicles as it is likely to become a major route for traffic at the airport,” he said.
“Inspections are currently underway. We are identifying places where speed breakers are unnecessary and will remove them after proper assessment. Our aim is to ensure smooth flow of vehicles as it is likely to become a major route for traffic at the airport,” he said.
CCTV and surveillance coverage
Mr. Praveen Kumar also said that there may not be a need for major road reconstruction on the Beach Road corridor as most of the basic infrastructure and amenities are already in place. The stretch is also covered by an extensive network of CCTV cameras, he said.
Senior police officials said the surveillance infrastructure could be further strengthened under the recently approved SARTHI project by the state government, which aims to improve traffic monitoring and public safety through advanced technology.
More patrols planned
Meanwhile, police are also planning to step up patrolling along the route. Senior officials of the Visakhapatnam City Police Commissionerate said that additional security measures will be put in place in view of the expected increase in traffic once the airport is operational.
“New police outposts have been set up in Rushikonda and Timmapuram in the last few years to see tourists. Now, in view of air passengers, if necessary, more equipment and personnel will be deployed to increase surveillance and ensure the safety of commuters,” said a senior police officer.
Published – 02 Jun 2026 17:23 IST