Hubballi's urban landscape is set for a significant upgrade as crucial construction work on a new flyover progresses. A key development involves the acquisition of a small portion of land from the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Park to facilitate the project.
Land Acquisition for Road and Drainage
The National Highway division of the Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated the process to acquire 2-3 metres of land from Mahatma Gandhi Park. This land is essential for constructing a seven-metre wide cement concrete road, accompanied by a one-metre wide drain. Officials emphasize that this acquisition is vital for ensuring efficient water management and enhancing the durability of the new road infrastructure.
According to sources within the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), while the available land on one side of the stretch is sufficient for the seven-metre road, the park side requires this additional acquisition to complete the planned road and drainage system.
Shift from Asphalt to Concrete
In a notable change, the original plan for an asphalt road from K C Circle to Hosur Cross has been revised. Following a proposal sent to the Ministry of Transport and Highways in New Delhi, the project will now feature a cement concrete road. This decision was significantly influenced by the persistent advocacy of local elected representatives, aiming for a more robust and long-lasting solution.
Satish Naganur, an engineer with the NH PWD, confirmed that the department has already held discussions with the district administration and HDMC regarding the land requirement. The need is clear: 2-3 metres for road widening on one specific stretch and an additional metre for the drainage system.
Project Scope and Collaborative Efforts
The flyover and road project showcases a collaborative effort between local authorities and national departments. The road's width will vary across sections; from Hosur Cross to M G Park Cross, it will be 14 metres wide. The ongoing work also includes the removal of the old Hubballi sub-urban police station building, which is making way for the new infrastructure.
This project stands as a testament to coordinated urban planning aimed at easing traffic and improving connectivity. Upon completion, it is expected to bring about substantial improvements to the city's infrastructure, benefiting daily commuters and supporting Hubballi's growth.