The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has set May 2026 as the deadline to complete seven important road projects totaling 26.72 km. These roads will improve access to the new Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram. The projects have faced delays mainly due to land acquisition issues, especially acquiring 75 acres of private land. Compensation includes cash, alternative sites, and transferable development rights (TDRs), but only some landowners have accepted TDR compensation. The roads are valued at roughly Rs. 156 crore, partly funded by corporate CSR. Key roads under construction include the 8 km stretch from Adivivaram BRTS junction to Gandigundam, which is awaiting forest clearance, and other expansions and widenings ranging from 1.4 km to 6.32 km connecting various points around Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. These new roads will reduce traffic on the national highway and provide quicker routes to the airport. Additionally, plans to widen 15 internal roads at an estimated Rs. 390 crore and a six-lane beach corridor connecting Beach Road to the airport are underway. Four elevated corridors linking Aganampudi-Lankelapalem to Kommadi are also proposed. About 348 private landowners need to be compensated with TDR bonds; so far, 155 TDRs have been issued. VMRDA officials say only vegetation clearance and foundation work are done yet, with forest department approval pending for some sections. "We are on the right track to complete within the deadline," said a VMRDA official. VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal told The Hindu, "Despite the challenges, we are determined to complete these seven roads connecting Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram airport before the domestic operations begin. We have set a deadline of May 2026 to complete the works." Meanwhile, the airport project itself is ahead of schedule. About 90% of core building work, 97% of runway work, and 92% of taxiway work are completed. The critical 'validation flight' to test and certify airport approach and departure procedures is set for December 2025. The 'validation flight' ensures the new airport meets all safety and regulatory standards before operations start.