Belagavi Member of Parliament Jagadish Shettar has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking central financial assistance for several infrastructure and public transport initiatives in the region, including road widening, road improvements and safety systems for buses operated by the North Western Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC).
In a series of letters dated March 11, 2026, Shettar requested the Union government to sanction funds for multiple projects aimed at improving road connectivity and public transport safety in his Belagavi parliamentary constituency.
₹750 Crore for Dharwad–Gokak Road Expansion
One of the major proposals seeks ₹750 crore for widening and improving the Dharwad–Gokak road via Savadatti and Yaragatti from a two-lane to a four-lane highway.
The 96-km stretch connects key locations including Dharwad, Belagavi district, the Savadatti Yallamma temple and Gokak Falls, besides linking to NH-4 and NH-748 and serving traffic from Hubballi Airport and IIIT Dharwad.
According to the proposal, the road currently carries traffic exceeding 10,000 Passenger Car Units (PCU) and several stretches have deteriorated due to heavy traffic and rains, making widening essential for smoother movement and regional economic growth.
₹86 Crore for Improvement of Rural Roads
Shettar has also sought ₹86.40 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for improving nine roads in Belagavi district with a combined length of 80.33 km.
The proposed roads include stretches in Bailhongal and Belagavi taluks such as Inchal–Marakumbi, Karikatti–Inamhongal, Belawadi Cross–Sangolli, Hosur–Munavalli and Desur–Nadihalli–Kukadolli road, among others.
The MP stated that many of these roads have been damaged due to heavy rains and traffic, affecting smooth vehicular movement and local connectivity.
Proposed Road Improvement Works – Belagavi District
- Inchal to Marakumbi – 4.50 km
- Muga Basava Cross – Sutagatti – Ittanagi – 11.00 km
- Karikatti to Inamhongal – 13.90 km
- Belawadi Cross to Sangolli – 3.35 km
- Hosur to Munavalli – 25.02 km
- Chivatagundi Cross to Chivatagundi – 2.80 km
- Desur – Nadihalli – Kukadolli Road – 11.80 km
- Bijagarni – Kavalewadi – Janewadi – Karle – Bahaddurwadi – Kiniye (connecting to SH-54) – 6.46 km
- Ranakunde Village to Goa Road – 1.50 km
Total Length: 80.33 km
Estimated Cost: ₹86.40 crore
₹59.13 Crore from Nirbhaya Fund for Women’s Safety
Another proposal seeks ₹59.13 crore under the Nirbhaya Fund for a Women’s Safety Initiative in the NWRTC.
The project aims to create a safer environment for women passengers by installing security and monitoring systems across nearly 1,000 buses, bus stations, depots, workshops and divisional offices operated by the transport corporation.
₹29.39 Crore for Bus Vehicle Tracking System
In addition, Shettar has supported a proposal seeking ₹29.396 crore for implementing a Vehicle Tracking Management System (VTMS) across NWRTC’s fleet of nearly 5,500 buses.
The project will be implemented under the Central Assistance scheme for strengthening Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in public transport. The funding pattern proposed includes 70% support from the Government of India and 30% from NWRTC/state sources.
Request for Early Approval
In his letters, Shettar urged the Union ministry to use its offices to facilitate early approval of the proposals, stating that the projects would significantly improve transport safety, connectivity and infrastructure across the Belagavi region.
If approved, the combined proposals would bring over ₹895 crore in central support for transport and road infrastructure projects connected to the Belagavi parliamentary constituency.