Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Confirms Major Progress on Belagavi Ring Road Project
In a significant update on infrastructure development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has informed Parliament that 90% of the land acquisition for the proposed 69.4-kilometer Belagavi Ring Road has been successfully completed. This announcement came in response to a written question raised by Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi during the ongoing budget session, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.
Project Details and Current Status
Gadkari elaborated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has structured the ambitious Rs 1,622-crore project into three distinct packages to streamline execution. The current status of these packages is as follows:
- Package 1: Tendering processes have already commenced, marking a proactive step toward initiating construction.
- Packages 2 and 3: The detailed project reports (DPRs) for these segments have been finalized and are now awaiting technical approval from the central government, ensuring all regulatory standards are met before proceeding.
Objectives and Expected Benefits
The Belagavi Ring Road is designed to address growing traffic congestion within Belagavi city, which has been a persistent issue due to increasing vehicular movement. Key objectives include:
- Alleviating Urban Traffic: By providing an outer corridor, the ring road will divert heavy vehicles away from the city center, reducing bottlenecks and improving travel times for residents.
- Enhancing Industrial Connectivity: The project aims to improve access to industrial areas, fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses.
- Facilitating Regional Transit: Once operational, the ring road will allow heavy vehicles traveling from major hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa to bypass Belagavi entirely, enabling direct and efficient movement along the outer route.
Route and Community Impact
The proposed ring road will traverse through 32 villages in the Belagavi taluk, including notable locations such as Honaga, Mutaga, and Uchagaon. This extensive route is not only set to transform transportation but also promises to boost the rural economy in the region. As highlighted by Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi in a press release, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, enhance local infrastructure, and stimulate economic activities in these villages, thereby contributing to overall regional development.
With land acquisition nearly complete and tendering underway, the Belagavi Ring Road project is poised to become a cornerstone of infrastructure modernization in Karnataka, addressing both urban and rural needs while promoting sustainable growth.
