Belagavi Ring Road Project Faces Prolonged Stalemate Despite Land Handover
In a significant setback for regional development, the construction of the much-anticipated Belagavi Ring Road continues to be stalled, even though land acquisition has been fully completed and formally handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This prolonged delay, which has now stretched for years, is being attributed to the Centre's policy approach towards project execution, sparking sharp political reactions and reigniting debates over perceived infrastructure neglect in Karnataka's border districts.
Historical Context and Implementation Delays
The Karnataka state government originally formulated and implemented a comprehensive plan to construct the 69.42-kilometer ring road back in 2018-19. However, the project faced immediate hurdles, resulting in a delay of approximately four years due to protracted land acquisition processes and other administrative issues. Now, several years have passed since the state government successfully acquired the necessary land and transferred it to the NHAI. Despite this milestone, the central government has yet to call for tenders to commence the actual construction work, leaving local residents and stakeholders deeply disappointed.
Project Objectives and Financial Framework
The primary objective of this ambitious infrastructure project was to provide a permanent solution to the chronic traffic congestion problems plaguing Belagavi's urban areas. Additionally, it aimed to facilitate substantial growth in the industrial and commercial sectors by improving connectivity and logistics. The project was implemented with a substantial budget of Rs 1,364 crore, established through a partnership between the Central and State governments. This collaborative funding model underscores the project's strategic importance for regional economic development.
Land Acquisition Details and Social Impact
For this project, a total of 1,248 acres of land across 32 villages in Belagavi taluk was meticulously acquired and handed over to the NHAI. The acquisition process impacted numerous landowners, including those who possessed only one to two acres, leading to significant displacement. There is now a strong and growing demand from affected communities for fertile agricultural land to be provided as a viable alternative to compensate for their losses. Officials have acknowledged that approximately 10% of the land acquisition cases are currently pending in court, but they have assured that these legal matters will be resolved promptly.
Official Statements and Current Status
Officials from the revenue and land acquisition department have confirmed that an impressive 90 percent of the land acquisition for the project has been successfully completed. The proposed ring road is designed to pass through various villages, including Kondasakoppa, Kamakarahatti, Dhamane, Yaraamal, Yelluru, Sulaga, Z-Shahpur, Waghawade, Santibastavad, Ranakunde, Khadarwadi, Navage, Bijagarni, Belagundi, Bachi, Turumari, Uchagaon, Gojuga, Mannur, Agasaga, Ambevadi, Kadoli, Honaga, and Mutaga in Belagavi taluk.
Broader Connectivity and Political Reactions
The Belagavi Ring Road is also slated to connect with the Belagavi-Hungund-Raichur quadrilateral road (NH 749A), which was undertaken as part of the Centre's flagship Bharat Mala project. This integration promises to provide seamless connectivity from Goa to Belagavi and further to Hyderabad, enhancing regional trade and mobility. Public Works and District Minister Satish Jarkiholi has publicly stated that all land acquisition required for the ring road project has been completed and handed over to the NHAI. He emphasized that the central government should now expedite the process by calling for tenders and initiating construction work. Minister Jarkiholi revealed that this issue has been brought to the attention of the Union minister, and instructions have been given to erect fences to prevent agricultural activities on the acquired land, highlighting the urgency of moving forward.
