Vizag–Mukkam Sea Cruise Proposed for Airport Access

A new sea connectivity proposal could offer an alternative travel option between Visakhapatnam and the Bhogapuram airport region, with authorities considering a cruise service connecting the city with Mukkam via Sagarnagar.

The proposal comes amid concerns over road congestion and travel time between Visakhapatnam and the newly operational Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. The airport was inaugurated on August 1, 2026, with a designed annual capacity of around six million passengers.

Sea Route Proposed Through Sagarnagar

Under the proposal, passenger cruise services could operate from Visakhapatnam towards Mukkam through Sagarnagar.

Mukkam is a coastal village located close to the Bhogapuram airport region. Besides providing another possible transport option for air passengers, authorities believe the proposed service could also encourage tourists to visit Mukkam and explore the coastal belt.

The proposal includes plans for passenger jetties at Sagarnagar and Mukkam, which would serve as important points for the proposed sea connectivity.

High-Speed Ferry Could Reduce Travel Time

Earlier studies on alternative connectivity to Bhogapuram Airport have explored the possibility of using high-speed boats or sea routes to bypass congested road corridors.

A SIDAR study highlighted the difficulties faced by passengers travelling from central Visakhapatnam towards the airport. Its analysis found that congestion along important stretches, including areas around Kommadi, Yendada, Boyapalem and Anandapuram, can significantly increase travel time.

The study recommended exploring alternative transportation options, including sea connectivity, along with improvements to roads and public transport.

However, the previously discussed around-30-minute sea travel time should be treated as a proposal/estimate and not as a confirmed travel time for the Mukkam service.

Two Passenger Jetties Proposed

The latest proposal includes passenger jetty infrastructure at:

• Sagarnagar
• Mukkam

These facilities would be required for passenger boarding and disembarking if the proposed service moves forward.

Other coastal locations have also featured in broader discussions about alternative airport connectivity, including possible jetty or seaplane infrastructure.

Boost for Coastal Tourism

The proposed sea service is not only aimed at airport connectivity.

Officials believe a cruise connection could also help promote Mukkam as a tourism destination. Visitors travelling from Visakhapatnam could potentially use the sea route to reach the coastal village, creating opportunities for tourism-related businesses and activities.

This could eventually form part of a wider coastal tourism circuit connecting destinations around Visakhapatnam, Sagarnagar, Bheemunipatnam and the northern coastal belt.

Road Connectivity Remains Important

The proposed sea route comes as authorities continue working on multiple ways to improve connectivity to Bhogapuram Airport.

Current measures include electric bus services between Visakhapatnam and the airport, while longer-term plans include improved road infrastructure and a proposed coastal corridor.

SIDAR has also recommended a combination of short-, medium- and long-term solutions, including better traffic management, public transport, road improvements and alternative mobility options such as sea routes.

Is the Vizag–Mukkam Ferry Service Confirmed?

Not yet.

The Vizag–Mukkam sea cruise is currently a proposed connectivity initiative. There is no confirmed public information yet on the final operator, ticket prices, vessel capacity, operating frequency or launch date.

If implemented, the service could provide Visakhapatnam with an additional mode of airport connectivity while also opening up new possibilities for coastal tourism around Mukkam.

FAQs

Is a sea cruise being proposed between Vizag and Mukkam?

Yes. A sea cruise service from Visakhapatnam to Mukkam via Sagarnagar has been proposed as an alternative connectivity option to the Bhogapuram airport region.

Will the ferry directly reach Bhogapuram Airport?

The current proposal focuses on connecting Visakhapatnam with Mukkam, which is near the Bhogapuram airport. It should not currently be described as a direct sea route to the airport terminal.

How long will the sea journey take?

A roughly 30-minute journey has been discussed in earlier high-speed sea-route proposals, but this is not a confirmed travel time for the proposed Mukkam service.

Has the Vizag–Mukkam ferry service been approved?

The service has been mooted/proposed, but a confirmed launch date and operational details have not yet been announced.

What are the proposed jetty locations?

The latest proposal mentions passenger jetties at Sagarnagar and Mukkam.

How will the proposal help tourism?

The proposed cruise could make Mukkam more accessible to visitors from Visakhapatnam, potentially supporting coastal tourism and local businesses.