Calls grow to retain Vizag airport after Bhogapuram opens

Visakhapatnam: Even as the upcoming Bhogapuram airport in Vizianagaram district is set to be inaugurated soon, a section of public representatives, civil society organisations and residents are urging the authorities to continue operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport.BJP MLA from Visakhapatnam North, P Vishnu Kumar Raju, has consistently supported retaining the airport for at least another one to two years. Those backing the continuation of the Vizag airport argue that the core city could become an “old city” if the existing airport is shut down, while the new airport would primarily benefit residents of Vizianagaram and surrounding areas.Some say that the rapidly developing industrial corridors of Anakapalle and Nakkapalle, which are attracting major investments and generating substantial business travel, would be left without a nearby airport. This may force commuters and industry stakeholders to undertake longer journeys to access air connectivity.Supporters also cite increased travel time, higher transportation costs and inconvenience, particularly for families, senior citizens and business travellers. Although the government is developing alternative road networks to improve connectivity, commuters fear these measures may not ensure smooth travel in the immediate future due to persistent traffic bottlenecks, especially up to Anandapuram.BJP MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju said domestic flight operations could continue from the Visakhapatnam airport for the time being, while international services could be shifted to Bhogapuram “Recently, it took me 45 minutes just to cross Hanumanthawaka Junction. They say Bhogapuram will have a world-class airport. But what people need is safe and convenient access to and from the airport,” he said.“It would be unfortunate for a city like Visakhapatnam, which is set to host major companies such as Google and Tata Consultancy Services, to be left without an airport within the city limits. Depending solely on Bhogapuram airport while sidelining the existing Visakhapatnam airport would not be a wise decision,” Raju added.O Naresh Kumar, vice-president of the Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers’ Association and CEO of Symbiosis Technologies, advocated continuing operations at both the existing Visakhapatnam airport and the upcoming Bhogapuram airport until major connectivity projects such as the proposed coastal corridor and metro rail are completed.“Commuters from rapidly industrialising areas such as Rambilli, Anakapalle and Nakkapalle would face long and expensive journeys to Bhogapuram airport, increasing travel costs and fuel consumption. A fast-growing economic hub like Visakhapatnam should be able to sustain two airports,” he said.Former MLA and YSRCP leader Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar also called for the continuation of operations at the Visakhapatnam airport even after the Bhogapuram International Airport becomes operational.“If the airport is shifted out of the city, Visakhapatnam’s growth could be seriously affected. Several airports across the country, including those in Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Agra, continue to function alongside defence establishments,” he said.“With current security procedures requiring passengers to reach the airport two hours before departure, an additional two-hour journey to an airport located 50 kilometres away would mean spending more than four hours just to board a flight,” Ganesh Kumar added.