Calls for existing Airport to be Operational beyond June 2026
The Andhra Pradesh Air Travelers Association (APATA) has highlighted a series of infrastructure bottlenecks it says air travellers in and around the city of Vizag will face connecting to the new upcoming greenfield airport at Bhogapuram which is slated to begin operations from June this year.
Holding a detailed press conference in the city of destiny today, APATA’s senior leadership led by its President Dr K Kumar Raja and Vice Presidents Mr O Naresh Kumar & Mr DS Verma flagged a wide array of hurdles which it said will severely hamper connectivity to the new international airport being built by GMR located 45-50 kms from the city (via the national highway).
Long Commute
“The residents of Visakhapatnam will face serious logistical difficulties commuting to the upcoming Bhogapuram international airport.
The current travel involves 13-22 traffic signals, heavy peak-hour congestion, and limited public transport, resulting in travel times ranging from 75 to 120 minutes” cited APATA’s Mr Naresh Kumar.
Taxi Fares
He further stated that Taxi fares from Vizag city to Bhogapuram currently range between Rs 2,500 and Rs 4,000 i.e. one-way drop/pickup excluding air travel costs.
“Passengers will be forced to spend an additional Rs 5,000 to 8,000 per round trip, causing significant financial burden” opined Mr Naresh Kumar.
Road Connectivity
In addition, he flagged the absence of good road infrastructure connecting to the airport.
“Where are the master plans for the roads connecting to the new airport. Land acquisition has yet to be done for these. The government needs to take cognizance of these pressing issues and act swiftly. Even if it starts today, it will take at least a year for it to complete” noted Mr Naresh Kumar.
APATA has therefore requested the government to fast-track the infrastructure needed for seamless connectivity to Bhogapuram Airport which includes coastal corridor Road, 12 Flyovers from Gajuwaka to Bhogapuram and Master plan roads.
Continue Existing Airport
Keeping these challenges in mind the AP air travellers’ association has called for continuing with the existing Visakhapatnam airport for the time being.
“We suggest continuing operations of 3 morning flights from 5.30 AM-8:30 AM and 3 evening flights. 9 PM to 12 AM (00 Hours) from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport during peak hours to major metro destinations” said the APATA’s office bearers.
Assistance for Travellers
The association has also called upon GMR to offer passenger friendly assistance which it says can assuage their transit journey to the new airport.
“They need to deploy frequent, comfortable, fully electric AC buses from key points in Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram Airport to offer an affordable travel option which was earlier implemented in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs.150/- on wards when new airport was made operational in Hyderabad,” said the association.
In addition, it has asked to establish World Class passenger lounges with comfortable seating, decent food arrangements and a medical shop and Bank ATM besides this business lounge, at some of the major locations in the city leading upto Bhogapuram international airport.
Development of New Airports
Similarly, the association suggested the state government prioritize the development of the 7 no-frills airports Kuppam, Dagadarthi (Nellore), Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Nagarjunasagar, Tuni- Annavaram, Ongole on the lines of the successful Kadapa and Kurnool airport models.
