The persistent absence of 4-lane highways in Kalaburagi district has sparked widespread discontent among residents, significantly impeding the region's industrial and economic progress. This infrastructure gap has become a critical bottleneck, with locals voicing strong demands for the development of key routes into four-lane corridors to unlock the district's potential.
Key Highway Upgrades in Demand
Community members are specifically calling for the transformation of several crucial highways. The Jewargi to Ballari stretch, currently a 2-lane National Highway 150A, has been a long-standing request. This vital artery connects numerous towns including Jewargi, Hatthigudur, Tinthini, Lingasagur, Sindanur, Dadesugur, and Ballari, serving as a primary north-south link across Karnataka. It further extends to Hiriyur, Huliyar, Thuruvekere, Nagamangala, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar, making it indispensable for statewide connectivity.
Humanabad to Vijayapura Corridor
Another pressing demand involves quadrupling the Humanabad-Jewargi-Vijayapura and Humanabad-Kalaburagi-Jewargi-Vijayapura highway, known as NH 50. Spanning 210 kilometers, this route connects Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka regions, while also providing direct access to Goa and coastal areas. Advocates highlight that a 4-lane upgrade here would catalyze development across four key sectors: economic, industrial, agricultural, and tourism.
Kalaburagi to Krishna Route
The Kalaburagi-Yadgir-Krishna highway, designated as NH 150, is also targeted for expansion. This corridor links Kalaburagi, Shahabad, Wadi, Yadgir, and Raichur, facilitating interstate connectivity between Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Its enhancement is seen as crucial for regional integration and trade.
Impact on Development and Connectivity
Kalaburagi, a major city and the headquarters of Kalyana Karnataka, remains constrained by predominantly 2-lane roads. This limitation forces arduous 12 to 15-hour road journeys to reach the state capital, Bengaluru, stifling business and travel. The current infrastructure fails to support the district's strategic importance, with the Kalyana highway passing through all districts of Karnataka yet lacking modern multilane features.
Speaking to TOI, Kalyana Nadu Vikasa Vedike president Muttanna Nadageri emphasized the direct correlation between highway quality and industrial interest. He noted that the absence of 4-lane highways has deterred industrialists from investing in Kalaburagi. Nadageri expressed hope that the central government's announcement of a new 4-lane highway for the district in the upcoming budget would address this critical issue, potentially revitalizing local development prospects.
The collective demand underscores a broader regional aspiration for improved infrastructure to foster growth, reduce travel time, and enhance Karnataka's internal and external connectivity.
