MP M. Sribharat, along with MLAs, addressing the media in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: V. RAJU
The Bhogapruam International Airport, being constructed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), is all set to receive the validation flight on January 4. The actual operation of flights from the greenfield airport is expected to begin soon, but the access roads are not yet connected.
Pointing out that the traffic in Visakhapatnam city, its suburbs and Vizianagaram district is growing rapidly, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat observed that the lack of proper access roads to the new airport may lead to road congestions.
“There will be traffic jams once the flight operations begin at Bhogapuram airport. I impressed upon Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari the need to provide access to the new airport from NH-16,” Mr. Sribharat told the media on Wednesday. MLAs from seven Assembly constituencies under Visakhapatnam Parliamentary constituency also took part in the media conference.
“Mr. Gadkari has directed the NHAI authorities to study the issue and prepare a feasibility report. We have sought access from the NH-16 at least at two locations to provide easy access to air passengers going to Bhogapuram airport,” the MP said.
Mr. Gadkari had also agreed with the suggestions for the construction of a ‘trumpet road’ to reach the highway.
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has acquired land for the laying eight arterial roads to provide alternative access to the airport.
Referring to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) issue, Mr. Sribharat said that he had met the Union Steel Minister and sought the appointment of a permanent CMD for the plant. The MP, however, opined that the plant could be sustained only if it makes profits.
MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao (Bheemunipatnam), P. Vishnu Kumar Raju (BJP, Visakhapatnam North), Vamsi Krishna Srinivas (JSP, Visakhapatnam South), Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu (East) and PGVR Naidu (Gana Babu) (Visakhapatnam West), Kolla Lalitha Kumar (S. Kota) and MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao also spoke.
Published – December 31, 2025 06:45 pm IST
