The Federation of Associations of Belagavi (FOAB) has decided to directly meet district ministers, MLAs and the Deputy Commissioner to discuss seven major issues linked to the city’s development.
Representatives from over 20 organisations under FOAB met on Thursday evening at the Foundry Cluster auditorium and held detailed discussions for nearly two hours on the city’s pressing infrastructure and planning concerns.
Among the major issues discussed were the proposed railway overbridge projects, the long-pending ring road aimed at reducing traffic congestion, the Smart Cities 2 project, delays in the CDP and STP projects, the need for HESCOM power infrastructure upgrades, and implementation of GAIL gas pipeline, biogas and Gobar-Dhan projects.
Members also raised concerns over the design and planning of some railway overbridges already built in the city. Experts at the meeting suggested that instead of constructing more road overbridges, Belagavi should explore elevated railway track solutions, as seen in several other cities. According to them, this would help improve traffic flow, support future urban growth, preserve heritage structures and improve the city’s appearance.
The 7 Key Issues Raised by FOAB:
- Railway Overbridge Planning
- Concerns over unscientific railway overbridges already constructed in the city.
- Demand for better long-term planning, including exploring elevated railway track solutions instead of more road overbridges.
- Belagavi Ring Road Project
- Delay in land acquisition in two villages has stalled the ring road project for years.
- FOAB said the delay is worsening traffic congestion across the city.
- Smart Cities 2 Project
- Concern that Belagavi could lose the Central Government’s Smart Cities 2 opportunity due to official delays and negligence.
- Pending CDP and STP Projects
- The City Development Plan (CDP) has remained pending despite rapid urban growth.
- Lack of ward-wise Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) was flagged as a serious concern.
- HESCOM Power Infrastructure Upgrade
- Existing power stations are reportedly operating under heavy load.
- FOAB demanded urgent establishment of a 400 KV station and additional substations.
- GAIL Gas Pipeline, Biogas and Gobar-Dhan Projects
- Members stressed the need to speed up implementation of gas and sustainable energy-related projects in the region.
- Traffic Concerns Linked to Nar Flyover Work
- FOAB warned that starting flyover work at Nar before opening Mahatma Phule Road connecting Halaga–Machhe bypass and Yediyurappa Marg could create severe traffic congestion.
FOAB members expressed concern that although Belagavi was selected for the Central Government’s Smart Cities 2 project, official delays and negligence could result in the city losing the opportunity.
The delay in land acquisition in two villages was also highlighted as the main reason for the ring road project remaining stalled for years, leading to increasing traffic pressure across the city.
The meeting further noted that Belagavi’s City Development Plan (CDP) has remained pending for a long time despite rapid urban growth. Members also stressed the urgent need for ward-wise Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), warning that the absence of such facilities could create serious problems in the future.
Another major concern raised was the load on the city’s power infrastructure. Participants warned that unless a 400 KV station and additional substations are set up soon, Belagavi could face a serious power shortage within the next year.
The meeting also discussed possible traffic problems if flyover work at Nar begins before opening Mahatma Phule Road connecting the Halaga–Machhe bypass and Yediyurappa Marg for public movement.
FOAB resolved to first meet the Deputy Commissioner and later hold discussions with the district in-charge minister, other ministers and city MLAs regarding these issues.
Senior industrialist and Foundry Cluster Chairman Ram Bhandare, who presided over the meeting, said FOAB’s initiative for Belagavi’s development was timely and necessary. He said the organisation should work by taking all associations, public representatives and government officials into confidence.
FOAB Convener Chaitanya Kulkarni welcomed the gathering, while M.K. Hegde outlined future plans and delivered the vote of thanks.
Several representatives from trade bodies, professional forums, industry groups and civic organisations were present at the meeting.