State to upgrade 3,710 kms of highways

Public Works Minister C M Udasi has stated that the state government has taken up upgrading of 3,710 km roads in the state under the State Highways Development Project .

Speaking to reporters in Dharwad, he said, the government had earmarked Rs 1,472 crore for improvising the state highways. Of the 3,170 km of roads, 2,072 km would be improved while the remaining 1,100 km road would be re-carpeted. This mega project has been divided into 65 packages and the technical bid has opened. The project is waiting for financial bid and will be cleared in a week’s time.

Similarly, the government will be taking up the second phase of the upgrade of state highways, of a similar quantum, on November 2.

 

There is no dearth of funds for road works and all works will be launched at the earliest, he added.

Replying to a query on the Dharwad-Ramnagar road, Udasi stated that this is one of the mega projects of the BJP government which will enhance transportation between Goa and Karnataka. The government had proposed to widen the roads to nine metres.

However, the Forest Department had raised objections and had wanted it widened to only 5.5 metres. At present, the road is being developed up to 5.5 metre and will widen it further in the coming days.

Referring to the Hubli-Dharwad road widening project, Udasi stated that this road is being upgra-ded into a six lane road. The works are going on in full swing and quality work is ensured, he said.

The land acquisition process for the project has also been taken up and till now no one has objected to the land acquisition process.

He dismissed allegations that a few politicians who own land adjoining the road have refused to part with the land for widening works.