Public consultation planned in Belagavi before starting flyover construction

Government officials of various departments will hold wide public consultation about the need for constructing a flyover in Belagavi that is being planned to run across the city and connect two national highways.

Officials will not only seek suggestions from the public but also clear their doubts about various related issues.

A meeting will be held in Belagavi on January 6 for this purpose. Various stakeholders will be invited to the meeting. Members of the general public can participate, district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Wednesday.

The Minister said that the plans will be finalised only after incorporating suggestions from the public and stakeholders.

Public consultation is essential for a project of this scale, as it directly impacts people, traders, institutions and residents along the corridor, he said.

He said that the tender documents will be finalised after the public meeting.

The Minister asked officials concerned to ensure that alternative traffic arrangements are made during the construction period to avoid any inconvenience to motorists and the public, to work in coordination among departments and to complete the project smoothly without causing any problems to the common man or to the administration.

“Belagavi is one of the largest cities in Karnataka and it is growing rapidly day by day. Residents are also facing problems like traffic congestion. The project is aimed at reducing congestion while minimising inconvenience to the public,” he said.

Officials told the meeting that the 8-km structure will be built in three phases. The project does not involve land acquisition as it will be built over pillars that will be put up on public land. Feedback from citizens and stakeholders will be incorporated if found feasible, they said.

The State Cabinet has released ₹270 crore for the project after giving approval to it. After construction, it will connect the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway No 48 to the Belagavi-Panjim National Highway No 748.

The construction will be spread over three phases from Sankam Hotel to Rani Channamma Circle, Rani Channamma Circle to Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk and from Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk to Tilakwadi Third Railway Gate.

Officials from the district administration, the Police, Transport, Traffic and Public Works departments and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) participated in the meeting.