The proposed Railway Overbridge (RoB) at the First Gate (LC 383) in Tilakwadi Belagavi has sparked strong opposition from local shop owners and residents, who are instead demanding the construction of Road Under Bridge (RUB). They fear that a RoB will devastate businesses in the area, similar to what happened near the Kapileshwar and Third Gate RoBs, where commercial activity significantly declined after construction.
Business owners are particularly concerned about the impact on foot traffic and accessibility. The new mall, which has replaced the iconic Kala Mandir, would be left with only a narrow side access if the RoB is built, raising serious questions about urban planning. Residents argue that an underground bridge would be a more viable, economical, and sustainable alternative.
Work on the First gate RoB wont commence until the Second gate is completed which may take 2 years.
UNDERPASS
A properly planned underpass would normally require an estimated 365-370 meters in total length, including approach ramps and the underpass itself, with a clearance of 5.5 meters and a total excavation depth of about 7 meters. (These are based on assumptions)
The Indian Railways had initially set a target to eliminate 2,429 manned level crossings across the Golden Quadrilateral rail network by March 2025, though this deadline has now been extended. While the goal is to improve railway efficiency and safety, residents believe that blindly applying a standard RoB design to every location without considering local conditions is a mistake.
Poor Urban Planning and Traffic Chaos
With work on the Second Gate RoB set to begin soon, concerns are also growing about how this project will affect traffic flow. The standard RoB design simply connects two sides of the railway, but what about people traveling from Congress Road to the five schools located just across the railway line? If they can’t access the bridge conveniently, they will be forced to take Vaccine Depot Road, a narrow residential street, leading to severe congestion.
Residents highlight that urban planning is critically lacking in Belagavi. The failed attempt to construct an RoB at Tanaji Galli—where local opposition led to the plan being scrapped and the gate being permanently closed—has already caused hardships. Now, with railways planning to close all level crossings within the next 2-3 years, citizens fear that Belagavi will be left with more poorly planned infrastructure, creating long-term traffic bottlenecks.
Call for Better Planning and Consultation
The need for adaptive urban planning is urgent. Simply following a standard RoB blueprint without considering ground realities could create another poorly designed bridge, like the Kapileshwar RoB, which is cramped due to narrow roads on one side.
Citizens are calling on MLAs, MPs, city officials, and urban planners to come together for a serious discussion before construction begins. With better planning and innovative solutions, Belagavi can avoid another infrastructure disaster and build a functional, well-connected city.
Even third gate rob still incomplete and as mentioned the road being after arrival of Big Bazaar converted to commercial Street the municipality tax has increased
From 1440 to 39960
We lost our business
We lost our lands and
In evening it has become a boozeers spot who literally throw the bottles and causing nuisances to people staying around
Thanks for giving the opportunity to raise the public
Regards
Ashwin Bhatia
No more RoB should be built in belgaum bcoz belgaum does not have a good infrastructure engineers 4 RoBs are already failed that are (Third gate, Railway station, Kaplieshwar and Fort road) these are worst constructed bridge. So no one should give your land for this plans. Next is public should gather and get good decision.