The long-awaited connectivity boost for the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport is nearing the finish line, with airport authorities confirming that four arterial road corridors designed to streamline transit from Visakhapatnam are now 98% complete on Thursday.The integration of these roads with the Anakapalli–Anandapuram NH-16 bypass is expected to slash travel time between the city and the new aviation airport to 45 to 50 minutes.According to the authorities, these corridors are slated to be fully operational by July.Beyond traditional road infrastructure, the State government is prioritising sustainable transit. Plans are already in motion to establish EV-enabled corridors and robust charging infrastructure to facilitate eco-friendly last-mile connectivity for passengers.‘Game-Changer’ for North AndhraThe airport which will feature a 5 MW solar power plant and an initial capacity of 6 million passengers per annum, is being positioned as the primary catalyst for economic transformation in North AndhraIndustrial and Regional ImpactFor Vizianagaram district, the airport represents a fundamental shift in the regional growth trajectory.Vizianagaram Collector S. Ram Sundar Reddy said that the airport, located just 30 kilometres from the district headquarters, is set to provide seamless access and significantly reduce congestion through the upgraded road networks.Industry leaders have also hailed the project for its potential to unshackle the region’s aviation capacity.G. Sambasiva Rao, Chairman of CII Andhra Pradesh and the Air Cargo Forum of India, pointed out that the new airport would resolve the operational constraints inherent to the present military-controlled facility.“By overcoming slot constraints, the airport will enable 24/7 international connectivity and strengthen air cargo operations,” Mr. Rao said. He added that the facility would drive growth across multiple sectors, including tourism, real estate, and industrial exports, while providing a fillip to MSMEs and creating employment opportunities for women. Published - June 11, 2026 07:29 pm IST