Over 20 e-buses will enhance last-mile connectivity to Bhogapuram airport

Visakhapatnam: In a concrete move to ease commutation woes for passengers rushing from various parts of North Andhra to the new airport at Bhogapuram, the state government is keen on deploying dedicated electric buses to improve last-mile connectivity. In addition to minimsing time consumed to reach the airport, the EV buses serve as a comfortable and cost-effective option for passengers covering over 50-km of distance from Visakhapatnam. Even though enough hints suggest the Bhogapuram Airport will become operational by July-end, plans are underway to deploy a fleet of electric buses to ferry passengers from various parts of North Andhra to the new airport.

As many raise concerns over the traffic-laden hectic journey, covering a stretch of about 50-km from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram, dedicated EV buses aim to ferry passengers to the airport a little early in a hassle-free manner.

Two months back, the state government announced its plan to procure 700 electric buses. Of them, 100 would be deployed to Visakhapatnam district. Aimed at enhancing public transport facilities and improved connectivity to Bhogapuram Airport, the fleet of EV buses would cover a number of areas across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, inform APSRTC officials.

As announced earlier, the state government is all set to deploy electric buses to Visakhapatnam by July. Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport officials have sought 60 EV buses to operate from across North Andhra to Bhogapuram Airport. “About 20 to 30 e-buses are likely to be allotted for the new airport to ferry passengers from various points. As these buses would cover RTC Complex, railway station, Beach Road, among other key localities, more passengers are expected to board the EV buses to reach Bhogapuram Airport,” shares B. Appalanaidu, APSRTC Regional Manager, with The Hans India.

This apart, plans are on to cover major hotels such as Novotel and Dolphin to pick up a larger number of tourists to the airport.

“Similarly, some of the buses would also ply via Anakapalli national highway and parts of Srikakulam,” informs Appalanaidu.

As Bhogapuram Airport is nearing completion at a brisk pace, the fleet of e-buses will enhance last-mile connectivity and substantially reduce the carbon footprint.