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Bhogapuram Airport Commute Guide: APSRTC Electric Bus Fares vs App Cab Rates

Travel details and commute costs are taking shape for passengers heading from Visakhapatnam to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) plans to offer electric bus rides starting at approximately ₹100 to ₹300, while app-based cab rides currently range between ₹700 and ₹1,500 depending on the pickup location and traffic conditions.

What Happened

Ahead of the inauguration of the Bhogapuram airport on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and the start of commercial flight operations on August 17, transportation arrangements and fare estimates have been outlined. Located off National Highway-16 near the border of Vizianagaram district, the new airport sits roughly 43 to 50 km away from the core city of Visakhapatnam, making commute planning essential for travelers.

Key Highlights

  • APSRTC Bus Fares: Electric bus fares from the main city area are expected to cost about ₹300, while trips originating from the Madhurawada belt, located 34 km away, are expected to cost about ₹100.
  • Cab Fares: Real-time checks across app-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido showed fares from ₹700 to ₹900 from Madhurawada, ₹1,000 to ₹1,100 from main arterial roads, and up to ₹1,500 from Gajuwaka.
  • Electric Bus Fleet: APSRTC plans to deploy 20 electric buses across two primary routes in its initial phase, placing 10 buses on each route.
  • Route 1 Details: Connects Gajuwaka to the airport via NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Maddilapalem, Madhurawada, and Anandapuram, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Route 2 Details: Runs from Gajuwaka through Scindia, Visakhapatnam Railway Station, VMRDA Park on Beach Road, IT Hills in Madhurawada, Marikavalasa, and Anandapuram, taking approximately two hours.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Cab fares are subject to aggregator surge pricing, rising 1.4 to 1.6 times during rush hours, up to twice during rain or weekends, and up to three times during festival periods.
  • No Toll Fees Currently: Bhogapuram airport currently does not impose any pickup fee or airport toll on cab rides.

Why This Matters

The travel distance to the new airport is longer compared to central city routes, reaching up to 60.4 km from areas like CMR Central in Gajuwaka. Because journey times range from approximately 30 minutes from Anandapuram to over 1.5 hours from southern parts of Visakhapatnam, the pricing differential between public electric buses and private cab services provides distinct budget and time choices for air travelers.

What to Watch Next

The proposed fare structure for APSRTC electric buses is awaiting official approval before commercial flights start on August 17, 2026. Transport officials noted that additional routes and increased bus frequencies will be introduced based on passenger demand following the airport opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will an APSRTC electric bus ticket cost to Bhogapuram airport?

Proposed fares are around ₹300 from core Visakhapatnam city locations and about ₹100 from the Madhurawada area. Fares await final APSRTC approval before commercial operations begin.

When will commercial flights begin at Bhogapuram airport?

Following the inauguration on Saturday, August 1, 2026, commercial flight operations are scheduled to start on August 17, 2026.

Are cab fares to the airport fixed?

No, app-cab prices fluctuate based on traffic, timing, and demand. Standard quotes can shift by around ₹400 and increase further during peak hours, bad weather, or holidays.

Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu published on July 30, 2026.