Belagavi: Newly elected MP Jagadish Shettar has garnered praise from his constituency by prioritizing the completion of several long-pending development projects in Belagavi. Central government initiatives such as the Belagavi-Dharwad new railway line via Kittur, the Belagavi Ring Road, and the Halaga-Macche Bypass Highway have faced significant delays, mainly due to land acquisition challenges.
The Belagavi-Dharwad railway line, a dream project of the late former MP Suresh Angadi, was sanctioned during his tenure as Union Minister of State for Railways. Despite securing funds, the project stalled after his untimely death in 2020. Completion of this 73.1 km railway line is expected to significantly boost industrial growth in both Belagavi and Dharwad districts.
Similarly, the Belagavi Ring Road project, also proposed by Angadi, received a sanction of Rs 1,622 crore for a 34.5 km 4/6 lane road. However, resistance from farmers regarding land acquisition has impeded progress. Once completed, this project will alleviate traffic congestion in the city and provide direct connectivity between Belagavi Airport and Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS).
The Halaga-Macche Bypass Highway, part of the central government’s ambitious Bharatmala project, has been delayed since 2009 due to similar land acquisition issues. This bypass aims to connect the Belagavi-Panjim National Highway to the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway-4, enhancing regional connectivity.
MP Jagadish Shettar recently addressed these issues by holding officials of the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) and other concerned authorities accountable for the delays. He criticized the practice of initiating tender processes without securing the necessary land, which has led to contractors seeking penalties for project delays. Shettar emphasized the need to resolve land acquisition problems swiftly to avoid further delays.
In addition to these projects, Shettar’s commitment to upgrading Belagavi Airport to international status and increasing the number of flights has been well-received by local industrialists. His proactive approach and dedication to development have marked a significant shift in his political strategy.
