Several key infrastructure and development projects in Belagavi district have gained momentum, with dedicated teams of officials working in coordination to ensure rapid progress, said Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan during a Meet-the-Press session hosted by the Belagavi Media Association at the Department of Information on Thursday.
DC Roshan emphasized that district-level officers are working closely with their counterparts in the Union and State governments, as well as with non-governmental organizations and stakeholders, to expedite critical initiatives spanning infrastructure, tourism, and environmental conservation.
Mega Tourism Hub at Saundatti Yallamma Temple
In a major push to promote religious tourism, the DC announced an ambitious development plan for the iconic Saundatti Yallamma Temple, which receives over 3 crore devotees annually—making it India’s second-highest footfall temple after Tirupati Balaji.
A dedicated Temple Management Authority and Tourism Development Board have been established to implement a comprehensive master plan covering 1,098 acres in Saundatti town, including a 100-acre temple complex atop the mountain. Highlights of the plan include:
- A new queue complex to accommodate 7,000 devotees at a time with waiting lounges, LED screens, and modern amenities
- A massive Dasoha Bhavan with the capacity to serve food to 15,000 people at once
- Open kitchen zones in all parking areas
- A commercial zone spanning 40 acres to relocate existing street vendors
- Dedicated bullock cart parking and a fodder distribution center
- Widening and repair of key roads, with an investment of ₹30 crore
Technology-driven features such as online donation portals (Hundi), e-booking platforms, and eco-friendly battery-operated buggies will also be introduced. The donation system will allow contributors to track how their funds are utilized. The detailed project reports have already been approved, and tenders will be floated shortly. The foundation stone-laying ceremony is expected within two months.
Rail Connectivity Boost: Dharwad–Belagavi Line
One of the standout projects is the long-awaited railway line connecting Dharwad and Belagavi via Kittur. After a delay of over three years, the project has finally taken off. “We’ve achieved 80% land acquisition for the required 1,200 acres in a record time of just four months,” said Roshan. The final land notification will be issued within a week, after which the land will be handed over to the Railways.
According to him, railway authorities have assured the district administration that construction work will begin immediately after land transfer. Roshan confirmed that the alignment of the railway line remains unchanged, as no objections have been raised. “This line will greatly improve connectivity between Dharwad and Belagavi and also benefit the broader North Karnataka region,” he added.
Flood Mitigation and Urban Planning
Addressing the persistent issue of urban flooding in Belagavi, DC Roshan said that the district administration is collaborating with NHAI officials to develop long-term engineering solutions for the Ballari Nala, a stream that runs through the city. “We face challenges such as encroachments and uneven gradients that obstruct water flow,” he noted.
Plans are in place to construct a tunnel and an overflow bypass to facilitate the smooth movement of stormwater. Desilting operations will begin post-monsoon, in coordination with local NGOs.
Meanwhile, land acquisition for the Outer Ring Road and bypass projects is nearly complete, and work is expected to commence soon.
“Belagavi is witnessing a transformative phase,” DC Roshan concluded. “With focused planning, public participation, and strong administrative coordination, we aim to ensure that development is both swift and sustainable.”