Siddarth Sethia
“Public good is ensured when Centre and State work together on railway and road development”
Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai said that it would be in the public interest if the central and state governments work together in railway and road construction or any public-oriented projects.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction work of the Gajendragad Bypass on the Yelburga-Kukanoor National Highway 367 (Unchageri-Rajur stretch), which falls under the Bhanuapur-Gaddanakeri section of the state’s NH-367 under NH EPC mode on Sunday.
He said this project had been pending for a long time, and they are now happily launching it together.National highways are the lifelines of this country.If a nation wants to develop,it must build highly efficient roads.
When asked about development,American presidents have said that their roads built their country.India is a large country,and even 78 years after independence, they didn’t have proper national highways.
There were no direct roads connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari.After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister and Nitin Gadkari became the Minister for Highways,national highways now stretch from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Bommai said after building the highest bridge in Kashmir, the road was completed.These highways should be interconnected.With that goal in mind, the construction of NH-367 was undertaken.
This will connect Kukanoor,Yelburga,and Ron.Land acquisition in Kukanoor is complete,but dealing with land issues in Yelburga is very challenging.
For example,to build a railway track from Wadi via Naragund-Gajendragad to Ilkal, they aimed to ensure public connectivity.
However, since Yelburga was not included, it had to be modified. Now, they have to fight again to include it.” I’ve instructed engineers not to proceed with the Kukanoor-Yelburga bypass before clearing the Gajendragad bypass.
There were issues concerning farmers and fertile land. There is demand for better compensation. MLA G.S. Patil and I will work to secure that.The injustice seen in railway projects should not be repeated in road projects”.
Development of North Karnataka
The former CM said this highway will facilitate connectivity between Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka via Haveri and Gadag districts, ultimately contributing to the comprehensive development of North Karnataka.
The Karwar-Ilkal route being declared a national highway will bring numerous benefits to this region.He has already spoken with Union Minister for Roads Nitin Gadkari.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready and has been submitted to the Cabinet Sub-Committee led by the Prime Minister.
Once approved, the state government and they must act swiftly to begin work.The main challenge is land acquisition. If the state government completes it quickly, the central government can proceed with the project.
For example, the Centre has approved 6,000 km of national highway work worth Rs.30,000 crore in Karnataka.It must be completed in five years.
However, only 3,000 km could be developed due to delays in land acquisition.When he was Chief Minister, he made efforts to resolve this issue, he added.
The MP said they have approved the Yalavigi-Gadag railway project. Once completed, it will greatly benefit the people of the Gadag region.
A total project cost of Rs.690 crore has been approved, and work will start soon.The Centre and State must work together on any public-interest project like railway or road construction.
They will fight and secure their rightful share without any hindrance.Contractors must ensure high-quality work. There is no question of compromise.
A good bypass will be remembered by all.This region has a promising future.If farmers get good prices for their produce, it will help.Connectivity is essential for that,and they will strive to provide it.
Ron MLA,G.S.Patil,leaders Ashok Nalavugund,N.S. Kengar,Siddanna Bandi,Umesh Mallapur,Muttu Kadagada,Shivanand Mathada,Subhash Myageri, officials from the Public Works Department and National Highways Authority were present.
Project Details:
Bypass Length: 5.613 km (Gajendragad Bypass).
Contract Value: Rs 48 crore.
