Hubballi Airport Road Construction Stalled Due to Funding Issues, Inconveniencing Residents
The construction of a cement concrete road near Hubballi Airport has been halted for an extended period, causing significant inconvenience to motorists and residents in several key neighborhoods. The affected areas include Radhakrishna Nagar, Padma Housing Colony, Kumar Park, Renuka Nagar, Tolankere, and surrounding regions.
Project Background and Current Status
Work on this crucial road project began in 2024 but was abruptly stopped due to a severe lack of funds. The contractor assigned to complete the project reportedly did not receive payment, leading to the suspension of all construction activities. The project is being carried out by the public works department, but financial constraints have brought progress to a standstill.
Residents and motorists continue to face daily difficulties due to the unfinished stretch. The areas in question are located near the airport, approximately 7 kilometers from the city center, and have experienced substantial growth in recent years with numerous schools, colleges, and commercial establishments developing in the vicinity.
Resident Concerns and Hardships
Rajeshekar Tambad, a resident of Radhakrishna Nagar, expressed frustration about the prolonged halt in road work from Hubballi Airport to the airport compound. "It has been a year, and only one side of the road has been constructed," he stated. Tambad highlighted that senior citizens are facing particular hardship when walking on the incomplete road surface.
He emphasized that this is the busiest road connecting to the airport and NH-4, and residents are also dealing with a lack of basic amenities, including reliable drinking water access. Tambad urged authorities to complete the remaining side of the road at the earliest possible opportunity.
Abhishek Bailur, a motorist from Hubballi, described how the road has deteriorated and created problems for drivers, especially during the rainy season. "The road was constructed only one way," he explained, noting that the incomplete work affects traffic movement significantly.
Bailur pointed out that this road connects to Tolankere, Sirur Park, and Unkal, with many private workers using this route to reach various destinations. The half-finished construction has created bottlenecks and safety concerns for all road users. He joined other residents in calling for immediate completion of the road work.
Official Perspective and Financial Details
Satish Hangal, HDMC former deputy mayor and Ward No 32 corporator, provided crucial details about the project's financial aspects. He revealed that the road work was undertaken at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore under HDMC funds. "The work was halted because of financial problems," Hangal confirmed.
The corporator specified that the road spans 1.5 kilometers from Gokul Main Road to the airport compound end. He acknowledged that areas along this route face a persistent lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. Hangal urged that funds should be sanctioned promptly not only for the road work but also for other essential development projects in the region.
Historical Context and Community Demands
Earlier, the road was in poor condition, prompting residents to demand a permanent, durable solution. In response to community pressure, the road project was sanctioned in 2023, and construction commenced with initial progress. However, the funding shortfall has now created a situation where the partially completed road is causing more problems than the original deteriorated surface.
The suspension of work has created a paradoxical situation where infrastructure improvement has stalled midway, leaving residents with neither the old road nor the promised new one. Community members emphasize that timely completion is essential for safety, convenience, and supporting the area's continued growth as a residential and commercial hub near the airport.
