New coastal corridor likely to turn Vizag, Bhogapuram into ‘twin cities’

The new Visakhapatnam-Bhogapuram Coastal Corridor aims to transform the region into twin cities, enhancing connectivity and tourism.

If implemented, the 55-60 km Visakhapatnam-Bhogapuram Coastal Corridor (VBCC) will transform the face of Visakhapatnam. The project is a future gateway to the Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport, which is expected to be operational in June, 2026.

Currently, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and local development bodies like the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) are giving the finishing touches to the project’s blueprint.

To ensure the road doesn’t disrupt local life or businesses, the plan includes several smart engineering features such as a 1-km elevated flyover near Rushikonda (Radisson Blu junction) to protect existing resorts and hotels and four elevated corridors that will help drivers skip congested areas like Aganampudi and Kommadi. A new 19.66 km ‘Greenfield Corridor’ will be built along the coast between Bheemili and Bhogapuram to keep the path as straight and scenic as possible.

The project is currently in the ‘feedback’ stage, and the VMRDA has already received over 736 objections as on February 15, mostly regarding the stretch between Bheemili and Bhogapuram. March 10 is the deadline to submit the objections.

Speaking to The Hindu on Monday (February 16), VMRDA Chairperson M.V. Pranav Gopal noted that the NHAI will build the road and the VMRDA will focus on creating a clear plan to addresses public concerns. People have until March 10 to submit their suggestions or objections regarding the Master Plan 2041, he added.

A reliable source in the NHAI said that a high-level meeting with the District Collectors of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram will be held shortly to finalise the report for the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It will be completed by March.