Hans News Service Vijayawada

theAirport Advisory Committee reviewed crucial development projects at Vijayawada International Airport located in Gannavaram on Thursday. The primary focus was on enhancing domestic and international air connectivity, completing the long-awaited new terminal building, improving passenger amenities, and strengthening road access to the airport.

The meeting took place at the airport director’s conference hall in Gannavaram and was chaired by Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry, who leads the committee. Other attendees included Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), committee co-chairman, government whip and Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkata Rao, vice chairman, airport director Lakshmikanth Reddy, RDO Subrahmanyam, SP V Vidyasagar Naidu, airport officials and representatives from various departments.

After the meeting, Balashowry informed the media that the Centre had appointed a new contractor for the long-delayed terminal building, and construction is moving forward more rapidly. He expressed confidence that the terminal would be completed by Dasara or, at the latest, by November, significantly improving passenger capacity and overall travel experience.

He mentioned that the committee proposed expanding international connectivity by introducing direct flights to Sri Lanka and establishing an Emirates service to Dubai. This would facilitate seamless global travel to destinations across the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, he said. The proposal has already been discussed with civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, he added.

Furthermore, he said that the committee meeting additionally requested more domestic flights from Vijayawada to Varanasi, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa and Mumbai. They also proposed morning and evening services to Mumbai to accommodate the increasing passenger demand.

To boost airport accessibility, Balashowry stated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for a seven-km, four-lane road connecting the airport to the Vijayawada West Bypass. Once complete, this road is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers heading to Amaravati, Guntur, and Hyderabad. This proposal would be presented to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, he added.

Airport Advisory Committee co-chairman and Vijayawada MP Sivanath said the Vijayawada International Airport has been accorded priority under the double-engine government, with efforts underway to complete the new terminal by Dasara.

He said the committee recommended direct flights to Kochi for Sabarimala pilgrims and additional services to Surat, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, besides supporting a direct Dubai flight to strengthen the airport’s international connectivity.

Venkata Rao urged the authorities to expedite the settlement of pending compensation and land record issues of families who had surrendered land for the airport.

He also proposed an alternative road linking the airport to NH-16 via HCL Road, stating that the Rs.37.70-crore project would reduce travel time to Amaravati by 15 to 20 minutes.

The MLA further called for the early development of 45,000 square metres of greenery between the airport and Ramavarappadu and urged better coordination among departments to speed up infrastructure works.