Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat on Thursday announced that the authority has successfully overcome a severe bitumen (tar) shortage caused by the West Asian crisis, and that priority road works will resume soon.

Due to the global crisis, bitumen supply was affected, resulting in key master plan road projects connecting to the Bhogapuram airport coming to a standstill.

VMRDA chairman MV Pranav Gopal and commissioner Tej Bharat held discussions with officials of petroleum companies to secure the required material.

As a result, 700 metric tonnes of bitumen were procured from the Indian Oil Corporation in Chennai to complete the remaining works on two major master plan roads.

The Metropolitan commissioner officially launched the final bitumen (BT) works on Thursday for the Nerellavalasa–Kothavalasa road, which is already 80% complete, and the Boyapalem–Kapuluppada road, which stands at 72% completion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner explained that while the two projects require a total of 945 metric tonnes of bitumen, the 700 metric tonnes secured through persistent efforts by officials and contractors have enabled work on the projects to move forward. To ensure speedy progress, the works are being carried out on a war footing using two pavers, four road rollers, and approximately 20 tippers.

The commissioner expressed confidence that the Boyapalem road works would be completed by May 8, followed by the Nerellavalasa road by May 12, 2026

He noted that despite logistical challenges arising from the international crisis, priority is be accorded to completing these crucial public thoroughfares within the specified deadlines.