Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is developing seven new master plan roads at a cost of about ₹175 crore to ensure faster connectivity to the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Most of the work is expected to be completed by the end of May, ahead of the airport's operations.
A key challenge remains: linking these roads directly to the national highways. At present, several stretches connect only through service roads, forcing commuters to travel long distances before accessing the main carriageway. For instance, on the Adavivaram–Sontyam road, travellers must cover nearly 10 km on the service road after entering the Sontyam underpass. A similar situation exists on Pinagadi road.
On the Neredellavalasa–Tallavalasa stretch, a 3.83 km road is under construction. Commuters can connect from the beach road to Tallavalasa, where an underpass and entry point to the highway are available. Officials are examining suitable connecting points. Likewise, the Kapuluppada–Boyapalem road requires commuters to reach Anandapuram first, then travel 4 km further to join the highway. A portion of the Sontyam road also awaits forest clearance.
VMRDA officials caution that direct intermediate connections may not be safe, as highway speeds are typically 60 km/h higher than vehicles entering from local roads. Discussions with NHAI are underway to find safer solutions.
VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal said all seven roads are targeted for completion by June. "The Thimmapuram–Marikavalasa road is already complete. About 42% of the Adavivaram–Sontyam road is done, with delays due to forest land issues, which will be resolved with government support," he noted.
Metropolitan commissioner N. Tej Bharath added that works are progressing quickly with public cooperation. "Compensation has been paid for affected structures. The Gambheeram bridge will take longer, but other roads will be completed as planned," he said.
Long-term solutions such as a double rotary metro rail project with flyovers and the proposed coastal corridor from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram airport are expected to provide permanent relief. In the meantime, these master plan roads will ease traffic. For example, commuters from MVP Colony can take the BRTS road at Hanumanthawaka junction, connect to the Adavivaram road, and reach the Anandapuram highway when congestion builds. The only project yet to be launched is the Bheemili–Dorathota Junction stretch.
Get real-time updates and result insights on
Assam HSLC 10th result.
J Umamaheswara Rao is an Assistant Editor, at the Times of India-...
Read MoreJ Umamaheswara Rao is an Assistant Editor, at the Times of India-Visakhapatnam. He reports on urban development affairs, civic infrastructure, planning policies, education, health, science, emerging technologies, startups, research, and data-driven stories. He holds postgraduate degrees in journalism & mass communication, business administration, and English, plus several fellowships & short-term courses.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment