Infrastructure – VMRDA Releases Compensation for Airport Corridor Underpass Project
Infrastructure – The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority has released compensation to property owners affected by the planned underpass works at Kakani Nagar and Naval Armament Depot Junction. The project is part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow on the key road linking NAD Junction with Visakhapatnam Airport.
The compensation cheques were distributed on Thursday during a programme attended by Visakhapatnam West MLA PGVR Naidu, popularly known as Ganababu, and VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath. Officials said the payment process was initiated for owners whose buildings or other structures fall within the project area.
Compensation provided to affected property owners
VMRDA said a total of Rs 22.98 lakh was paid to the owners of 16 structures that will be affected by the construction activity. The authority stated that the compensation had been assessed and released as part of the land and property acquisition process required before the project moves into its next stage.
The underpass scheme has been estimated at Rs 12.5 crore. It is expected to address recurring congestion along the airport corridor, which carries a large volume of daily traffic from residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas and nearby institutions.
Plan aims to reduce delays on busy airport road
Speaking at the event, MLA Ganababu said the proposed underpasses at Kakani Nagar and the Naval Armament Depot Junction would help create smoother movement for motorists. He said the works are intended to reduce the need for vehicles to stop at signals, especially during peak travel hours.
The route between NAD Junction and Visakhapatnam Airport is considered an important transport link for residents, employees, visitors and airport-bound passengers. Traffic often slows near junctions where vehicles from multiple directions merge, particularly in the morning and evening.
According to the MLA, the new road infrastructure is expected to make travel through the corridor more convenient once completed. He added that reducing bottlenecks at key intersections would also improve safety and support better traffic management in the surrounding areas.
VMRDA says project will follow national standards
VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath said the underpass project was taken up after efforts by the local MLA to address traffic concerns in the area. He said the construction would be carried out in line with standards prescribed by the National Highways Authority of India.
The commissioner said the authority would focus on completing the work with appropriate engineering measures and coordination among departments. Such projects require careful planning because they involve traffic diversion, utility shifting and the protection of nearby properties during construction.
Officials are expected to continue the required preparatory work before the main construction phase begins. The authority has not announced a detailed completion timeline for the underpass project.
Officials and beneficiaries attend cheque distribution event
Several VMRDA engineers and staff members attended the programme along with the beneficiaries. Chief Engineer Vinay Kumar, Superintending Engineer Madhusudana Rao and Assistant Engineer Srinivasa Reddy were among the officials present.
The compensation distribution marks an early administrative step for the project, which is expected to improve connectivity on one of Visakhapatnam’s frequently used road stretches. Residents and regular commuters will be watching the progress of the works, particularly as the airport corridor remains an important route for daily travel across the city.