Centre Backs Highway Upgrade in North Karnataka: Belagavi MP

Rapid summary

• Union Minister for road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari pledged Union Government support to upgrade three state highways in north Karnataka into national highways.
• BJP MP Jagadish Shettar met Mr. Gadkari in New Delhi on July 30 to discuss the matter.
• The projects, amounting to ₹1,775 crore, will be approved case-by-case based on how quickly Karnataka proceeds with its groundwork.
• Proposed upgrades include resizing roads from two lanes to four lanes and enhancing overall infrastructure and passenger amenities.
• Detailed highway proposals:

– State Highway 54: Jamboti to Rabkavi.- State Highway 20: Raichur to Bachi.
– Sankeshwar – Dharwad route: A major development covering the Sankeshwar-Hukkeri-Ghataprabha-Gokak-Manolli-Saundatti-Dharwad stretch (348.30 KM-355.18 KM).

• Expected outcomes include reduced traffic congestion and road accidents in the region.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The initiative to convert key state highways in north Karnataka into national highways highlights a potential economic upliftment for regional connectivity. Enhanced infrastructure can streamline transportation routes crucial for commerce, agriculture, and mobility of goods/services across these areas.

Given that approvals depend on how promptly the Karnataka government moves forward with project planning, interdepartmental collaboration becomes pivotal here – delays could jeopardize funding or timelines. North Karnataka’s traffic density also makes this upgrade critical; the proposed transformations not only aim at better connectivity but promise safer travel conditions by cutting down congestion and accident risks.

This proposal underscores a focused approach by both state institutions and central leadership toward addressing infrastructural disparities within states like Karnataka – paving paths toward long-term growth while aligning transport quality with national benchmarks.

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