Commuting to Bhogapuram: APSRTC E-Buses to Offer Rates Significantly Below Cab Fares
As the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport prepares for its August 2026 opening, commuters face a stark price gap between public and private transport. While e-bus fares will start at approximately ₹300, private ride-hailing services are quoting rates as high as ₹1,500.
Key takeaways
- Commercial flight operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport are officially scheduled to begin on August 17, 2026.
- APSRTC plans to operate 20 electric buses across two routes with proposed fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 per seat.
- Private cab fares from central Visakhapatnam to the airport average ₹800 to ₹1,100 but can double during peak demand or weather events.
- The airport is located approximately 43 to 50 km from the heart of Visakhapatnam, requiring over 75 minutes of travel time by car.
The Public Transit Strategy
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is preparing a cost-effective transit solution for the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. According to internal sources, the corporation intends to deploy a fleet of 20 electric buses divided equally across two primary routes. Passengers traveling from the residential and commercial hubs of Visakhapatnam, roughly 43 to 50 km away, can expect a fare of approximately ₹300. Those boarding from the closer Madhurawada belt may pay as little as ₹100.
Comparative Costs and Route Dynamics
While public buses offer a standardized rate, the private sector presents a more volatile pricing structure. Data gathered on July 30, 2026, shows that app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido are quoting significant premiums. A journey from Gajuwaka, spanning over 60 km, could cost up to ₹1,440 via private cab, compared to the budgetary public option. Major city transit points show the following estimated costs:
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station: Cab fares range from ₹890 to ₹1,120 for the 46.4 km trip.
- Gajuwaka (CMR Central): Located 60.4 km away, this route is the most expensive at over ₹1,100 per cab ride.
- Madhurawada: Fares average between ₹700 and ₹915 for the 35 km distance.
- Anandapuram: The closest major point at 23 km, with cab costs between ₹520 and ₹660.
The APSRTC's first route will connect Gajuwaka to the airport via NAD Junction and Maddilapalem, with an estimated travel time of one hour and 45 minutes. The second route will serve Beach Road and IT Hills, projected to take roughly two hours.
Volatility in Private Transport
Private ride-hailing costs remain subject to heavy fluctuation. Aggregator algorithms can inflate base prices by 1.4 to 1.6 times during rush hours, while heavy rain or festival periods can triple the standard rate. Although the airport currently lacks a dedicated pickup fee or toll for cabs, these surge pricing variables can push a standard city-to-airport trip close to ₹1,500. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the facility on August 1, 2026, with commercial flight operations officially commencing on August 17.
Source: The Hindu — National
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