Ahead of the opening of the Bhogapuram International Airport, expected in the first week of July, the district administration has stepped up work to connect Visakhapatnam city to the new airport.

As part of the preparations, the Beach Road stretch from R. K. Beach to Bheemunipatnam is being identified for improvements to ease travel for passengers heading to the airport. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is also considering running bus services on the route to connect the city to Bhogapuram Airport.

Recently, officials of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) inspected the Beach Road corridor to assess infrastructure needs and work out measures to improve traffic flow. The route is expected to become one of the main access roads to the airport. Commuters will be able to reach Bhogapuram through several connecting roads, including Rushikonda-Yendada, Timmapuram-Marikavalasa, Mangamaripeta-Boyapalem, IT Hills-Madhurawada and Bheemunipatnam-Tagarapuvalasa.

Speed breakers under review

During the inspection, GVMC officials reportedly pointed to the many speed breakers along the Beach Road stretch that could obstruct traffic once the airport begins operations and traffic increases. After these observations, the city traffic police launched a survey to identify unnecessary speed breakers and to work out what is needed for smoother traffic flow.

Over the years, speed control measures were installed at several points on the Beach Road to curb rash driving and illegal racing, making the stretch safer for motorists and pedestrians. The airport is expected to bring heavier traffic, and authorities are now reviewing whether some of these speed breakers can be removed without compromising road safety.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K. Praveen Kumar said the ongoing survey would identify locations where speed breakers were no longer needed.

“Inspections are currently underway. We will identify points where speed breakers are unnecessary and remove them after due assessment. Our objective is to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles as this is likely to become a major route for airport-bound traffic,” he said.

“Inspections are currently underway. We will identify points where speed breakers are unnecessary and remove them after due assessment. Our objective is to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles as this is likely to become a major route for airport-bound traffic,” he said.

CCTV and surveillance cover

Mr. Praveen Kumar also said major road re-engineering work may not be needed on the Beach Road corridor because most of the basic infrastructure and amenities are already in place. The stretch is also covered by a large network of CCTV cameras, he said.

Senior police officials said surveillance infrastructure could be further strengthened under the State government’s recently approved SARTHI project, which aims to improve traffic monitoring and public safety using advanced technology.

More patrolling planned

Meanwhile, the police are also planning to increase patrolling along the route. Senior officials from the Visakhapatnam City Police Commissionerate said additional security measures would be put in place, given the expected rise in traffic once the airport becomes operational.

“New police outposts were established at Rushikonda and Timmapuram in the last few years, keeping in view of tourists. Now, in the view of air passengers, if required, more facilities and personnel will be deployed to strengthen surveillance and ensure commuter safety,” a senior police officer said.