The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has completed four of the seven major road expansion projects connecting the Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram, with the remaining works progressing steadily, VMRDA Chairman M. V. Pranav Gopal said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference along with Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat and Chief Engineer Vinay Kumar, Mr. Pranav Gopal said the seven road projects, being executed at a cost of ₹174.6 crore, were aimed at providing seamless connectivity to the airport. Four of the seven master plan roads have been completed in full, he said.

He said the airport, once operational, would boost investments and transform the economy of north Andhra Pradesh by creating employment opportunities in the aviation, cargo, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Mr. Pranav Gopal said VMRDA had played a key role in widening arterial roads leading to the airport. Of the 15 proposed connecting roads linked to the National Highway, seven priority roads were taken up jointly by VMRDA, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the Roads and Buildings Department. VMRDA executed road widening works covering 26 km at a cost of about ₹170 crore, with only a few stretches pending completion.

Among the projects, the Thimmapuram-Marikavalasa road has been completed, while work on the Adavivaram-Shontyam road is progressing and awaits forest clearances for completion, he said.

The Chairman commended the engineering teams for completing most of the works within nine months despite shortages of bitumen, which was sourced from Chennai to avoid delays.

Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat said arrangements were being made for supporting infrastructure, including Google Maps integration, APSRTC electric bus services and passenger lounges.

Mr. Pranav Gopal said naming the airport after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju was a matter of pride. He added that cultural organisations were preparing a Dhimsa dance performance involving about 13,000 artistes to welcome the Prime Minister during the inauguration.

Published - July 25, 2026 07:33 pm IST