Visakhapatnam: Former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar has urged the state government to ensure that the Visakhapatnam airport continues to operate even after the upcoming Bhogapuram international airport becomes operational. Speaking to the media on Friday, he appealed both as a local leader and as a resident of Visakhapatnam.
Potential Impact on City Growth
Ganesh Kumar warned that shifting airport operations out of the city could adversely affect Visakhapatnam's growth trajectory. He called upon local leaders, civil society organizations, and residents to unite and demand the continuation of airport services within the city. Emphasizing the airport's role in tourism, he noted that a large number of tourists arrive in Visakhapatnam via air travel, making it unnecessary to relocate operations elsewhere.
Examples of Co-Existing Airports
Drawing parallels with other airports across the country, the former MLA pointed out that several airports, including those in Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Agra, continue to function alongside defense establishments. He argued that similar arrangements could be made for Visakhapatnam.
Concerns Over Distance and Employee Welfare
While welcoming the Bhogapuram airport project and the potential development it could bring to Vizianagaram district, Ganesh Kumar stressed that this should not come at the cost of Visakhapatnam. He highlighted that the new airport is approximately 50 kilometers away from the city, raising concerns about the long commute for existing airport employees, especially without transport allowances or housing facilities.
Impact on Emergency Healthcare Services
The former MLA also expressed serious concerns regarding emergency healthcare. With Visakhapatnam emerging as a major healthcare hub and a rise in organ transplant procedures, he said shifting airport operations far from the city could hinder the timely transportation of vital organs such as hearts and livers, which are critical for life-saving surgeries.
