The Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD), has taken significant steps to quickly repair and re- carpeting of the Belagavi-Goa Road via Chorla, which brings relief to the commuters who have faced a decade of inconvenience.
The 52-kilo meter stretch of the Belagavi-Goa Road via Chorla, which has been plagued by potholes and poor road conditions, and is now undergoing constructions and is expected to be completed by the end of February. The ongoing work has significantly improved the condition of the road, offering a seamless travel experience for commuters and enhancing connectivity of the regions.
Additionally, authorities have also undertaken the construction of a new bridge on the River Malprabha near Kusmalli, replacing the old British-era bridge that was on the verge of collapse. The diversion is being built to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic until the new bridge is constructed.
Satish Jarkiholi, the Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, had announced the release of ₹ 58 crore by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in the month of February 24 last year, which allotted the repair work to the Karnataka PWD. The department has taken up the repair work on a 42.381- kilometre stretch on the Karnataka side of the road.
In implementing the work, due to the unwarranted delay a high-level review was done at the Belagavi’s Deputy Commissioner’s Office last week regarding the completion of the Belagavi Goa Road via Chorla, construction of the Belagavi-Kittur Dharwad Railway Line and multiple road projects, which includes the bypass road between Halaga-Machche by-pass on the Belagavi-Panaji NH748.
The meeting by MP and Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, focused on accelerating progress of these infrastructural works. The progress of the work is personally monitored by Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan.
NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar stated that,” Looking at the plight of the commuters between Belagavi and Goa, MP Shettar had directed the officials to complete the same on the war footing. Though the work was started last month the work is expected to be completed by the end of end of February.
According to Kumar, about 14 kms of re-asphalting between Kinaye,Jamboti and Kankumbi is almost complete and the road will be ready by February end.
Kumar also stated that, “While the quality of the work is being monitored, the contractor has been directed not to delay the work. The work on the 125-year-old British era bridge has also started and a diversion is being taken up at the spot”.
With the project nearing completion, commuter can look forward and heave a sigh of relief and go for a problem free journey between Belagavi and Goa, which is going to be more comfortable and less time consuming. The enhanced road infrastructure is projected to significantly expected to boost tourism, trade, and commerce in the region, by benefiting the local economy and developing the economy growth.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS –
- Road Repair and Re-carpeting:
- The 52-kilometer Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla, plagued by poor conditions and potholes for over a decade, is being repaired.
- Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of February,2025.
- New Bridge on River Malprabha:
- A new bridge near Kusmalli is being constructed to replace the deteriorating 125-year-old British-era bridge.
- A diversion is in place to facilitate traffic flow during the construction period.
- Funding and Implementation:
- ₹58 crore was released by the National Highway Authority of India in February 2024 for the project.
- Karnataka PWD is undertaking the repair work on a 42.381-kilometer stretch within Karnataka.
- Reviews–
- A review meeting chaired by MP and former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar emphasized accelerating progress on various infrastructure projects, including this road.
- Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan is closely monitoring the progress for smooth functioning of the project.
- Progress Updates:
- 14 kilometers of re-asphalting between Kinaye, Jamboti, and Kankumbi is nearly complete.
- Work on the old bridge and road infrastructure is progressing rapidly with strict quality control.
- Expected Benefits:
- Improved road will ensure smoother and quicker journeys for commuters.
- Enhanced infrastructure is projected to boost tourism, trade, and commerce, positively impacting the local economy growth.