Ahead of the inauguration of the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram on August 1, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Monday reviewed preparations including road connectivity and public transport arrangements with public representatives and officials. He also called for the organisation of a 10-day series of celebratory events to raise awareness about the airport’s role in boosting North Andhra’s economic development.

Highlighting that Visakhapatnam and the airport would be linked by 28 major roads covering about 238 km, the Collector directed officials to install adequate signage and directional boards to guide commuters. While brownfield and greenfield road projects have been targeted for completion by December, efforts are under way to complete all the key arterial roads required for the airport’s opening. “Four of the seven priority road projects have already been completed, and work on the remaining stretches is being expedited,” the Collector said.

Mr. Kishore said that steps are being taken to improve access through the proposed coastal corridor and other alternative routes. Traffic studies have been conducted to assess peak-hour travel, and motorists have been urged to follow the free-left system at junctions to reduce congestion.

The Collector said that 20 buses had been earmarked for dedicated airport services, of which nine were already available. Special services would operate from Gajuwaka and Beach Road in line with flight schedules. Passenger lounges are also being established at nine locations across the city.

Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, VMRDA Commissioner Tej Bharat, MLAs Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju and Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, and other officials attended the meeting.

Published - July 20, 2026 10:09 pm IST