Officials directed to complete Wadi ROB works within deadline, ensure proper implementation of Central schemes

Strong directions were issued to officials to expedite pending infrastructure works and ensure proper implementation of Central government schemes, during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held in Kalaburagi on Saturday.

Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil expressed displeasure over the inordinate delay in completing the railway overbridge (ROB) near Balaram Chowk on National Highway 150 at Wadi.

Pointing out that the project has been dragging on for several years and was currently stalled, the Minister asked officials of the national highways to immediately resume the work and complete it within a fixed timeframe. He said that such prolonged delays were unacceptable and sought accountability from the executing agencies.

The Minister also questioned the delay in initiating roadworks between Miriyan-Kallur-Polakpalli-Chandapur in Chincholi taluk owing to pending administrative approvals for land acquisition. He cautioned officials against adopting a casual approach in development matters.

During the discussion, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Naveen informed the meeting that the Surat-Chennai Economic Corridor highway passes through about 71 km in Kalaburagi district, of which 51 km has been completed so far.

Dr. Patil directed officials to complete bridge works across the Bhima and Amarja rivers during the summer and adhere to deadlines. He also instructed authorities to immediately complete the pending service road along the Humnabad Base-Ram Mandir stretch in Kalaburagi city to prevent accidents.

On airport operations, it was informed that Air India has shown interest in operating larger aircraft from Kalaburagi airport, but approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is awaited.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge, who participated in the meeting virtually, said that earlier representations had been made to the Union Civil Aviation Minister and urged immediate commencement of services to benefit passengers, stating that similar-sized aircraft had previously operated without additional DGCA clearance.

Railway officials informed the meeting that under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, infrastructure upgrades were under way at Kalaburagi, Shahabad, Wadi and Ganagapur stations, including new parking facilities, improved entry points, model toilets and expansion of foot overbridges with escalators at the Kalaburagi station. Members expressed displeasure over the absence of the Divisional Railway Manager and directed issuance of a notice in this regard.

Presiding over the meeting virtually, MP for Kalaburagi Radhakrishna Doddamani emphasised that Central government schemes must be implemented effectively within stipulated timelines and in accordance with guidelines to achieve both financial and physical targets.

He assured that any proposals pending at the Centre could be expedited if brought to his notice. He also directed implementing agencies to complete tender procedures and begin works for improving school infrastructure under the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund.

The BSNL officials informed that 203 locations without internet connectivity have been identified in the district for 4G saturation, of which approval has been received for 46 sites. Towers would be erected once land was provided free of cost or on lease by the State government, they said.

Mr. Kharge pointed out that internet connectivity issues were hampering services at Bapuji Seva Kendras at the gram panchayat level and assured that the district administration would facilitate land allotment for the proposed towers.

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