Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers Association (APATA) has urged the state government to expedite airport infrastructure and passenger connectivity projects linked to the upcoming Bhogapuram (GMR) Visakhapatnam International Airport.
Members of the association, O. Naresh Kumar, D.D. Varma and K. Kumar Raja stated that construction on the proposed Coastal Corridor should commence within a month to ensure quicker access to the new airport. They also recommended the introduction of electric green buses, which would include six passenger lounges throughout the city, as well as real-time flight schedule displays at the airport.
Citing the Prime Minister’s push for “Green Mobility”, APATA said all airport transfers should be operated through electric buses to reduce pollution and energy consumption.
Welcoming the inauguration of the Bhogapuram airport, APATA said Scoot Airlines commencing operations from July 8 would significantly boost the economic prospects of north Andhra Pradesh.
The association recalled its role in securing direct international connectivity to Singapore, Dubai, Colombo, Malaysia and Bangkok, apart from efforts made with the support of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to remove naval restrictions affecting operations at the old airport.
APATA urged GMR to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at Bhogapuram, pointing out that over 150 pharmaceutical companies currently transport cargo by road to Chennai and Hyderabad. A cargo facility in Visakhapatnam would reduce logistics costs, save time and lower the carbon footprint, it said.
The association also sought restoration of direct flights to Bangkok, Malaysia and Colombo, which had been discontinued due to operational restrictions at the old airport. Combined with existing services to Abu Dhabi and Singapore, Visakhapatnam could have five major international connections, it said.
APATA noted that while the old airport earlier handled 88 daily flight movements, the number has now fallen to 60. With the new Bhogapuram airport becoming operational, the association expects the number of daily movements to cross 90.
The association further requested GMR and the state government to sign an MoU with cab aggregators Uber and Ola to introduce fixed-fare airport taxi services and prevent surge pricing.
APATA said the proposed measures would improve passenger convenience, strengthen cargo exports and enhance affordable last-mile connectivity while contributing to the economic growth of north Andhra Pradesh.
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