Centre Commits To Developing Highways In Karnataka With 13 New Projects Costing Rs 21,000 Crore

In yet another boost to the infrastructure of the long ignored region of North Karnataka, the central government on Friday (15 January) announced the construction of 13 highway projects in the region.

To be built at a cost of Rs 21,000 crore, these projects will cover a total of 847 kilometres. Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSME Nitin Gadkari announced the projects after laying the foundation stone for the construction of an elevated corridor at Rani Chennamma Circle, Hubballi and construction of a bridge over Bedthi channel at Dastikoppa village, Kalghataki Taluk.

The projects include the construction of a four-lane road in Hubballi-Dharwad bypass and the four-lane ring road in Belagavi. Assuring that the government is committed to developing the highways in Karnataka, Gadkari said the ongoing projects in the region including the Hubballi-Hospete highway will soon be completed.

"The Government of India will work hand in hand with the state government to eradicate poverty by giving impetus to agriculture and industries. In the transport sector, priority will be given for the use of green fuel which will benefit the farmers”, he explained.

"The construction of the Elevated Corridor at Rani Chennamma Circle, Hubballi and construction of bridge over Bedthi channel at Dastikoppa village will ease traffic in Ankola-Gooty Highway," said Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, highlighting that it was the second time in a month that a National Highway Project has been initiated in the state.

Appreciating the union government’s decision to invest Rs 1.16 lakh crore for the development of highways in Karnataka, Yediyurappa said the state will extend all cooperation for the completion of projects within the stipulated time.

The construction of Elevated Corridor at Rani Chennamma Circle, Hubballi, will ease traffic congestion in Hubballi City , Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said.

"During Nitin Gadkari’s tenure as Union Minister for Highways, 222 projects at a cost of Rs 77,297 crore have been approved and action has been taken to upgrade 8,819 km of road," said Govind Karjol, Deputy Chief Minister.

Jagadeesh Shettar, Minster for Industries said that a long standing demand of the people of Hubballi City is finally being realised.