BELAGAVI
In a relief to commuters from Goa and Belagavi, Karnataka PWD authorities have finally taken up the repairs and re-carpeting of the Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla on a war footing.
Work on the entire 51-km section is likely to be completed by February end, giving a big relief to the commuters. The ongoing work is offering a soothing sight to the eyes of commuters who have been facing inconvenience since over a decade.
Authorities have also taken up the work of constructing a new bridge on the River Malprabha near Kusmalli as the old British Era bridge was on the verge of collapsing. A diversion is being constructed here till the new bridge comes up.
It may be recalled that Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi the NHAI had released an amount of Rs 58 crore in February last year while Karnataka PWD was allotted the repair work. A stretch of 43.381 kms of Karnataka side of the road was taken up and the inauguration of the repairs was done on February 24 last year.
Due to the unwarranted delay caused in implementing the works, a high-level review was conducted at the Belagavi 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 including the ring (bypass) road between Halaga-Machche bye pass on the Belagavi- Panaji NH748.
The meeting, led by Belagavi MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, focused on accelerating progress of these infrastructural works. Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan is personally monitoring the progress of the work.
“Looking at the plight of the commuters between Belagavi and Goa, MP Shettar had directed the officials to complete the same on war footing. Though the work was started last month the work is expected to be completed by February end this year,” NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar said.
According to Kumar, about 14 kms of re-asphalting between Kinaye, Jamboti and Kankumbi is almost complete and the road will be completely ready by February end.
“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 commenced and a diversion is being taken up at the spot,” Kumar said.
Commuters can certainly heave a sigh of relief as the journey between Belagavi and Goa is going to be more comfortable and less time consuming from February.
