Belgaum has been identified along with Mangalore; Hubli-Dharwad for implementation of urban infrastructure projects under one of its flagship programmes Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Urban Development Ministry deciding to extend the JNNURM scheme to smaller cities with a population of over 5 lakh and less than 10 lakh,Belgaum has been selected. The current population of Belgaum is 6 lakhs and cantonment area counts in for another 1lakh 30 thousand.
Amount to be released by the Centre is not yet finalized but it would be sizeable as the scheme involves several developmental activities such as construction of several flyovers, underpasses, storm water drainages, drinking water supply and beautification of roads.
This is something nice to know, but concerned is how will it be utilized, keeping fingers crossed.