VMRDA building 7 priority roads to Bhogapuram airport

Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is executing seven priority road projects worth ₹175 crore to strengthen connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram international airport. Of these, three are greenfield corridors, while the rest involve widening and extending existing stretches to 60-, 80- and 100-foot widths, depending on traffic needs.One of the key projects is the 4-km Paradesipalem–Gambheeram road, which will link currently unserved areas with two national highways. Beginning near Paradesipalem, the road connects to the Anandapuram–Anakapalli highway near Dukkavanipalem, creating an alternative route that bypasses the congested Anandapuram junction. It will also improve access to the Gambheeram reservoir, a major water source, and provide smoother connectivity to the IT SEZ and the upcoming Google data centre at Tarluwada.The Nerellavalasa–Tallavalasa greenfield corridor near Bheemili will connect the coastal road with the national highway, terminating near Tallavalasa beyond Anandapuram junction. This will serve as an alternative route for travellers heading to Bhogapuram airport. The proposed coastal corridor linking Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram will run close to this stretch.Another highlight is the Adavivaram–Sontyam road, which is being widened to 100 feet to accommodate six lanes. This road will indirectly connect NAD Junction, Pendurthi, Simhachalam and surrounding areas with the Anandapuram highway via the BRTS road.VMRDA is also addressing challenges such as transferable development rights (TDRs) and land acquisition. For instance, TDR issues remain along the Sivasakthi Nagar road, while 6.83 hectares of forest land are required for the Adavivaram–Sontyam project. Similar hurdles exist in the Gambheeram corridor.VMRDA chairman MV Pranav Gopal said construction has reached 60% completion and is expected to finish by May, as directed by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. "The state govt has taken road connectivity to Bhogapuram airport as a prestigious project," he said. Metropolitan commissioner Tej Bharat added that works are being reviewed regularly, assuring no compromise on quality.Infographics: Three Greenfield Roads Among ProjectsAdavivaram – Sontyam Road31.75% completed Earthwork, quarry rubbish, GSB, and WMM completed in significant stretches on both sides Boyapalem road60% completed Central median completed for 1.50 km out of 3.10 km Tallavalasa – Nerallavalasa road51.57% completed Earthwork, quarry rubbish, GSB, and WMM completed on most of the stretch Shiva Sakthi Nagar road46% completed WMM completed up to 0.86 km on both sides Gambheeram road – 166% completed Earthwork, quarry rubbish, GSB, and WMM fully completed for 1.46 km stretch Gambheeram road – 215% completed Earthwork completed for 1.2 km and quarry rubbish for 900 meters Chippada roadJungle clearance completed in 2 km stretc Revised RDP preparation required for 60-foot width