VMRDA's $156 Cr Road Push for Bhogapuram.

With the ‘validation flight’ for the upcoming Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport expected in December, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has set a May 2026 deadline to complete seven major master plan roads spanning 26.72 km.

The projects, estimated at Rs 156 crore including CSR contributions, require close coordination among multiple government departments and private landowners. Progress has been slowed by land acquisition challenges, particularly the need to secure 75 acres. Compensation is being offered through cash, alternative plots, and Transferable Development Rights (TDRs), though uptake of TDRs has been limited. “So far, we have issued 155 TDRs out of 348… we are on the right track to complete the work within the deadline,” a VMRDA official said.

The seven roads are expected to ease highway congestion and provide faster connectivity to the new airport from nearby districts. Key stretches include an eight-km road from Adivivaram BRTS to Gandigundam (Rs 40 crore), which is pending forest clearance; a 2.2-km link from Anandapuram NH to Gambhiram Reservoir; widening from Shivashakti Nagar to the VUDA Haritha project (Rs 7.65 crore); expansion from Paradeshipalem to Gambhiram (Rs 5.04 crore); the Nerallavalasa–Tallavalasa road (Rs 24 crore); widening from Boyapalem Junction to Kapuluppada (Rs 15 crore); and a 6.32-km widening from Chippada to Polipilli (Rs 37.92 crore).

Additionally, VMRDA plans to widen 15 internal roads at a cost of Rs 390 crore, develop a six-lane beach corridor, and construct four elevated corridors. Construction at the airport site is reported to be ahead of schedule.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.