With the inauguration of the proposed Bhogapuram International Airport likely to take place within a month, authorities have intensified efforts to ensure seamless connectivity and basic transport services for air passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam city to the upcoming airport.

A joint team of officials from the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) on Friday conducted a detailed route inspection to identify suitable corridors for operating dedicated airport bus services to Bhogapuram.

Officials inspected major junctions and transit points across the city where passengers are expected to take public transport services to reach the airport. During the survey, the team identified two major routes for operating airport shuttle services in the initial phase.

One of the proposed routes is along the National Highway-16, while the second route will pass through the Beach Road corridor.

According to APSRTC Regional Manager B. Appalanaidu, the NH-16 route will originate from Kurmannapalem and will pass through Old Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Venkojipalem, Madhurawada before reaching the Bhogapuram Airport. The second route will begin from the Visakhapatnam Railway Station and proceed via the RTC Complex, RK Beach and Beach Road before connecting to the IT Hills corridor and finally to Bhogapuram Airport.

Mr Appalanaidu said that the air-conditioned buses would be operated on the lines of Hyderabad’s Pushpak airport services to provide a comfortable transport for passengers.

“Initially, 10 buses are proposed to be operated on the NH-16 route and another 10 buses on the Beach Road route. Based on passenger response and increase in flight operations, the number of services will be enhanced,” he said.

“The travel time from Kurmannapalem to Bhogapuram Airport through the NH-16 corridor is expected to take around one hour and 45 minutes,” he said.

The findings of the route survey will be submitted to the District Collector for further action and approvals, officials said.

Sources from the district administration shared that there are proposals to set up AC lounges for air travellers along some of the stops, for which plans are being initiated.

It may be recalled that the VMRDA, in coordination with the GVMC, has been developing seven major connectivity corridors linking Visakhapatnam city with the Anakapalli–Anandapuram Highway to ease congestion on NH-16 and improve airport access. While some of these roads are already operational, works on the remaining stretches are nearing completion.

The State Government is planning to inaugurate the Bhogapuram International Airport on July 5, reportedly in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources said several preparations are under way to operationalise the airport immediately after inauguration.

Noted airlines Scoot has informed operators about its services being shifted to Bhogapuram Airport from July 8.