Aero Express e-buses link city to Bhogapuram airport at lower fares than cabs

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has introduced a new Aero Express electric bus service to serve air travelers at the newly operational Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. This service, launched on August 17, offers a more affordable alternative to private cab services, which charge between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 for the 50-km journey from Visakhapatnam city.

The Aero Express one-way fare from Old Gajuwaka to the airport is set at ₹400, with intermediate stops priced lower, down to ₹50 at the Airport Junction stop. APSRTC Regional Manager B.A. Naidu announced that the service began operations a day before the airport's first commercial flights, on August 16, to ensure uninterrupted transport for passengers on the opening day.

A fleet of 20 buses, consisting of 16 electric and four regular air-conditioned vehicles, operates 40 trips daily, with both routes originating at Old Gajuwaka. The ASR-1 route passes through various landmarks such as NAD, Gurdwara, Zoo Park, Marikavalasa, Anandapuram, Tagarapuvalasa, and Airport Junction, while the ASR-2 route covers Scindia, Kancharapalem, the Railway Station, Bus Station, VUDA Park, Siripuram, ISKCON Temple, IT Hills, Marikavalasa, Anandapuram, Tagarapuvalasa, and Airport Junction.

Services run from 4.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. at half-hour intervals. Passengers can easily identify the designated bus stops as they coincide with existing APSRTC stops. The journey typically takes around two hours, with increased travel time during peak hours due to traffic congestion near the Anandapuram bridge. The corporation advises passengers to leave an hour earlier to avoid delays.

APSRTC staff in white uniforms are available at the terminal to assist arriving passengers, and tickets are issued on board, accepting both cash and UPI payments. Live tracking of individual buses is available through the APSRTC mobile application. Initial occupancy reached 50%, and it is anticipated to increase as commuters become more familiar with the routes.