VMRDA to use drones to monitor Vizag-Bhogapuram Airport road works

Visakhapatnam

To ensure transparency and adherence to timelines, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) on Monday has decided to implement drone videography every Sunday to monitor the physical progress of all construction works related to the Master Plan priority roads connecting to the International Bhogapuram Airport.

VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath chaired a review meeting with the officials of the Technical and Planning Departments’, and directed them to fast-track works on the Master Plan priority roads. He also instructed them to ensure administrative hurdles, including compensation and utility shifting, are cleared without any delay.

The Commissioner ordered the immediate removal of private structures along the Adavivaram–Sontyam road, effective from Tuesday, February 24. He set a firm deadline of March 15 for the shifting of the 11 KV electrical poles to facilitate road widening.

Addressing the challenges posed by the environmental zones, the Commissioner instructed that works in the eco-sensitive zone be taken up immediately. However, regarding the 1.8 km stretch passing through the protected forest area, he clarified that works would commence only after obtaining the requisite permissions from the State government.

In an effort to address public grievances, the Commissioner instructed the Planning Department to immediately disburse pending construction compensation to affected individuals. For the Tallavalasa–Kothavalasa road project, he ordered the removal of structures where consent has already been obtained.

“For owners who have not yet responded, notices must be issued and direct discussions held to resolve any lingering issues,” the Commissioner said. He also called for the acceleration of the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) payment process for the Boyapalem–Kapuluppada and Vepagunta–Pinagadi road works.