MP Belagavi, Jagadish Shettar, chaired a high-level review meeting in the presence of DC Mohammad Roshan to assess the progress of major infrastructure and development projects in Belagavi district. Senior officials from the Railway Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Airport authorities participated in the meeting.
Railway projects
Reviewing the Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad new railway line, officials informed that a proposal worth ₹149 crore has been submitted to the State government for the acquisition of around 1,200 acres of land. A final notification has already been issued for the acquisition of about 407 acres. Once funds are released, the land will be handed over to the Railways, enabling the tender process to begin.
Railway officials also said that permission has been sought from the Police Commissioner to divert traffic for construction of the second railway line near LC No. 381 at Tilakwadi, and work is expected to start soon. Issues delaying road overbridges near LC Nos. 382 and 383 were discussed, and officials assured that obstacles would be cleared shortly.
Regarding the railway overbridge near Sulebhavi village, officials stated that measures are being taken to ease difficulties faced by farmers in accessing their fields and transporting agricultural produce. Necessary improvements will be made in the coming days.
Work on a proposed railway flyover near Khanapur had been delayed due to pending forest clearance. During the meeting, directions were issued to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Belagavi, to provide the required permission immediately so that the project can move forward.
National highway works
MP Shettar expressed concern over the slow pace of six-laning work on the Belagavi–Sankeshwar national highway, which has led to severe traffic congestion. NHAI officials were instructed to accelerate the work and complete it at the earliest.
The Halaga–Mache bypass road, which has missed its completion deadline by over a year, was also reviewed. Officials were directed to treat the delay seriously and finish the project without further postponement.
On the Belagavi–Hunagunda–Raichur road project, officials said land acquisition for 35 km of the total 43.8 km under Phase-1 has been completed. The remaining land acquisition will be taken up shortly, after which construction will commence.
Airport development
Development of Belagavi airport was also discussed. Officials said that required land has to be handed over by the Air Force, but delays in response have slowed progress. MP Jagadish Shettar assured that the issue would be taken up with the Defence Minister and raised before the Parliamentary Defence Committee to ensure early resolution.