VMRDA's ₹175 Crore Road Initiative to Strengthen Bhogapuram Airport Connectivity
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is currently implementing seven high-priority road projects with a total investment of ₹175 crore. These strategic infrastructure developments are specifically designed to enhance and fortify connectivity to the forthcoming Bhogapuram international airport, a key regional aviation hub.
Project Composition and Strategic Importance
Among these seven critical projects, three involve the creation of entirely new greenfield corridors, while the remaining four focus on widening and extending existing road stretches. The widening efforts will adjust roads to 60-foot, 80-foot, and 100-foot widths, meticulously planned according to projected traffic volumes and future transportation needs.
One of the most significant undertakings is the 4-kilometer Paradesipalem–Gambheeram road. This new link will connect areas that are currently underserved with two major national highways. Starting near Paradesipalem, the road will join the Anandapuram–Anakapalli highway close to Dukkavanipalem. This alignment creates a valuable alternative route that effectively bypasses the heavily congested Anandapuram junction.
Furthermore, this corridor will improve direct access to the Gambheeram reservoir, a crucial water source for the region. It will also provide smoother and more efficient connectivity to the Information Technology Special Economic Zone (IT SEZ) and the highly anticipated Google data centre facility at Tarluwada.
Key Greenfield Corridors and Widening Projects
The Nerellavalasa–Tallavalasa greenfield corridor, situated near Bheemili, is another pivotal project. It is designed to link the coastal road with the national highway network, terminating beyond the Anandapuram junction near Tallavalasa. This route will serve as a primary alternative for travelers destined for the Bhogapuram airport. Notably, the proposed extensive coastal corridor connecting Visakhapatnam directly to Bhogapuram will run adjacent to this new stretch.
A major highlight is the Adavivaram–Sontyam road, which is undergoing a significant transformation. It is being widened to a substantial 100-foot width to accommodate six lanes of traffic. This upgraded road will indirectly link the NAD Junction, Pendurthi, Simhachalam, and surrounding localities with the Anandapuram highway via the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) road, greatly improving regional mobility.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
The VMRDA is actively navigating several implementation challenges, including complex issues related to Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) and land acquisition processes. For example, TDR-related matters are still pending resolution along the Sivasakthi Nagar road segment. Additionally, the Adavivaram–Sontyam project requires the acquisition of approximately 6.83 hectares of forest land. Similar logistical and regulatory hurdles are also present in the development of the Gambheeram corridor.
Progress Updates and Official Statements
VMRDA Chairman, MV Pranav Gopal, provided a progress update, stating that overall construction has reached approximately 60% completion. He confirmed that the projects are on track to be finalized by May, in accordance with directives from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. "The state government has prioritized road connectivity to the Bhogapuram airport as a prestigious and critical infrastructure project," Gopal emphasized.
Metropolitan Commissioner Tej Bharat reinforced this commitment, noting that project works are undergoing regular and rigorous review sessions. He assured stakeholders that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction and materials used throughout the development process.
Detailed Project Progress Breakdown
- Adavivaram – Sontyam Road: 31.75% completed. Earthwork, quarry rubbish, Granular Sub-Base (GSB), and Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) have been finished over significant stretches on both sides.
- Boyapalem Road: 60% completed. The central median has been constructed for 1.50 kilometers out of the total 3.10-kilometer length.
- Tallavalasa – Nerallavalasa Road: 51.57% completed. Earthwork, quarry rubbish, GSB, and WMM layers are complete across most of the project stretch.
- Shiva Sakthi Nagar Road: 46% completed. WMM work has been accomplished for up to 0.86 kilometers on both sides of the road.
- Gambheeram Road – Section 1: 66% completed. Earthwork, quarry rubbish, GSB, and WMM are fully completed for a 1.46-kilometer segment.
- Gambheeram Road – Section 2: 15% completed. Earthwork is done for 1.2 kilometers, and quarry rubbish placement is complete for 900 meters.
- Chippada Road: Jungle clearance has been accomplished over a 2-kilometer stretch. Revised Road Development Plan (RDP) preparation is now required to accommodate the planned 60-foot width.
