Launch of Bhogapuram Airport: A 10-day celebration to raise awareness of the economic impact

Ahead of the inauguration of the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram on August 1, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Monday reviewed preparations including road connectivity and public transport arrangements with members of the public and officials. He also called for a 10-day series of celebratory events to raise awareness about the airport’s role in promoting the economic development of North Andhra.

Emphasizing that Visakhapatnam and the airport will be connected by 28 main roads covering about 238 km, the Collector directed officials to install adequate signage and direction boards to guide commuters. While the brownfield and greenfield road projects are due to be completed by December, efforts are underway to complete all the key thoroughfares needed to open the airport. “Four of the seven priority road projects have already been completed and work on the remaining stretches is being accelerated,” the Collector said.

Mr. Kishore said steps are being taken to improve access through the proposed coastal corridor and other alternative routes. Traffic studies have been carried out to assess peak travel and motorists have been encouraged to follow a loose left system at junctions to reduce congestion.

The Collector said that 20 buses have been earmarked for dedicated airport services, of which nine are already available. Special services would operate from Gajuwaka and Beach Road in accordance with flight schedules. Passenger lounges are also being created at nine locations around the city.

Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, VMRDA Commissioner Tej Bharat, MLAs Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju and Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and other officials attended the meeting.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 22:09 IST