Bhogapuram Airport Access Crisis: Will a Quick Transit Corridor Solve Vizag's 4-Hour Travel Nightmare?

The Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers Association (APATA) is urging immediate action. They seek better Visakhapatnam airport passenger access to the new facility. The upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport is a major regional project. APATA wants a dedicated, APATA quick transit corridor established quickly.

The Connectivity Challenge

Currently, the journey from Visakhapatnam is difficult. Passengers must travel 45–50 kilometers along the national highway. Heavy congestion and 13–22 traffic signals slow travel significantly. This makes the Vizag Bhogapuram travel time range from 75 to 120 minutes. Combined with mandatory early reporting, total time can reach four hours.

This long transit time creates a major cost burden. Taxi fares range from ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per one-way trip. A round trip can cost up to ₹8,000, excluding the airfare. APATA President Dr. K. Kumar Raja stated this makes air travel unviable.

Proposed Interim and Long-Term Solutions

APATA Vice President O. Naresh Kumar proposed several interim measures. These solutions aim to provide relief until a permanent system is ready. One key suggestion is continuing six daily flights from Visakhapatnam Airport (Vizag). These flights would serve major metros during peak hours.

Financial Viability and Infrastructure

To support the new facility, APATA proposed a User Development Fee proposal. This fee would be collected at Visakhapatnam Airport. It would help support the GMR Bhogapuram financial viability. The new airport is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL). This interim funding would last until a quick transit system is finished.

Long-term infrastructure is also critical. The association advocates for new coastal corridor roads construction. They also seek the construction of 12 flyovers between Gajuwaka and Bhogapuram. The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is already working on seven master plan roads. These projects are intended to ease traffic congestion.

Enhancing Public Transit and Cargo

APATA also called for better public transportation options. They sought frequent electric AC buses from key city points. Dedicated passenger lounges are requested at Ramakrishna Beach and VUDA Park. Lounges at Gajuwaka and Seethammadhara are also part of the plan.

Investment in world-class cargo facilities is another priority. The government must include cold storage infrastructure. This will support the export of local products. Key exports include agricultural goods, seafood, and pharmaceuticals.

Regional Aviation Impact

Passenger traffic data shows the urgent need for these changes. Visakhapatnam Airport handled over 2.75 million passengers in 2025. This included over 100,000 international travellers. This demonstrates the region's strong reliance on air travel. Affordable and efficient interim solutions are essential. They are needed until the Bhogapuram International Airport connectivity is fully realized.

The association also advocated for wider Andhra Pradesh regional connectivity. They seek development of seven no-frills airports across the state. These would be modeled after Kadapa and Kurnool airports. This initiative aims to strengthen regional links and reduce logistics costs. It will also enhance cargo infrastructure statewide. Such development can stimulate economic activity. It will generate employment and attract investment to underserved districts.

Airport Timeline and Future Outlook

The new greenfield airport is a major development for the region. Bhogapuram International Airport is scheduled to begin operations in June 2026. The airport already received its first validation flight in January 2026. It is being developed by GMR Airports Ltd. The initial phase is designed to handle six million passengers annually. APATA has praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for leading the efforts. The association believes these aviation initiatives will transform the state's landscape.

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