Visakhapatnam Accelerates Development of Seven Master Plan Roads for Airport Access
In a significant push to enhance urban connectivity, Visakhapatnam is currently developing seven master plan roads designed to link suburban areas with two major national highways. The primary objective is to improve access to the upcoming Bhogapuram international airport, addressing immediate transportation needs while long-term infrastructure projects are in the pipeline.
Rapid Progress and Construction Momentum
Recent site visits by authorities reveal that work on these roads has gained substantial momentum. Construction has commenced even on stretches where approvals from departments such as forest authorities are still pending, focusing on available portions to avoid delays. This proactive approach underscores the urgency of completing these projects ahead of the airport's inauguration.
Consent-Based Land Acquisition Model
A key challenge in executing these projects has been securing landowner consent, as they are being developed on a consent-based model rather than through compulsory acquisition. This involves a meticulous five-step process to obtain permissions from private parties. Despite this, significant progress has been made:
- Boyapalem–Kapuluppada Road: Approximately 60% of construction work is complete, with about 95% of the required consent and right of way secured. Consent is still pending from three landowners, but efforts are ongoing to resolve this.
- Vepagunta–Pinagadi Stretch: Nearly 100 out of 150 affected property owners have submitted their consent. This road, divided into segments executed by VMRDA and GVMC, has achieved around 20% progress.
Key Road Projects and Their Status
The master plan roads vary in scope and progress, each playing a crucial role in the city's transportation network:
- Adavivaram–Sontyam Road: This nearly 8-km stretch serves as a vital link connecting the Gajuwaka–NAD–Gopalapatnam–Simhachalam corridor to the Anandapuram highway via the BRTS road. It has recorded 35% progress and is planned as a 100-foot-wide road with three lanes on each side upon completion. Once finished, it will allow vehicles from Gajuwaka to divert onto the national highway, access the BRTS road at NAD Junction, and reach the Anandapuram highway efficiently.
- Thallavalasa and Kothavalasa Stretches: These areas have achieved approximately 40% progress, contributing to the overall network.
- Bheemili–Dorathota Junction Stretch: This is the only road work yet to be launched, highlighting the advanced stage of other projects.
Interim Solutions Amid Long-Term Plans
While these master plan roads are not permanent solutions for high-speed airport access, they will provide crucial alternative routes to ease city traffic. For instance, commuters up to MVP Colony can use the BRTS road at Hanumanthawaka junction, connect to the Adavivaram master plan road, and proceed to the Anandapuram highway during traffic congestion. Long-term relief is expected from projects like a double rotary metro rail with flyovers or a proposed coastal corridor from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram airport, but the current roads offer immediate interim benefits.
VMRDA's Commitment and Monitoring Efforts
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is spearheading these initiatives, with chairman Pranav Gopal announcing an investment of Rs 175 crore in its share of the road works. A special cell has been established to monitor the issuance of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) and engineering progress. Gopal emphasized that nearly 50% of daily efforts are focused on ensuring these roads are ready before the airport's inauguration, with third-party quality checks and a project management consultant overseeing execution to maintain high standards.
VMRDA metropolitan commissioner Tej Bharath revealed plans to replicate a record-setting achievement from the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada economic corridor, where 29 lane-km of bituminous concrete was laid within 24 hours. By targeting completion of the Boyapalem–Kapuluppada road by March 15, the authority aims to accomplish a similar feat. Bharath stated that a significant portion of efforts is currently concentrated on these seven projects, pushing for early completion wherever possible.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Enhanced Urban Mobility
The development of these seven master plan roads marks a critical step in Visakhapatnam's infrastructure evolution. By improving connectivity between suburban areas and national highways, they not only facilitate access to the Bhogapuram airport but also alleviate traffic pressures in the city. With multiple agencies involved and VMRDA leading the charge, the projects demonstrate a collaborative effort to boost regional growth and transportation efficiency. As construction progresses rapidly, residents can look forward to enhanced mobility options in the near future.
