In a significant relief to commuters traveling between Goa and Belagavi, Karnataka PWD authorities have initiated the repairs and re-carpeting of the Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla on an urgent basis.

The work, covering a total of 51 km, is expected to be completed by the end of February, providing substantial relief to commuters. The on-going repairs are a welcome sight for those who have been facing challenges for over a decade.

In addition, authorities have started constructing a new bridge over the River Malprabha near Kusmalli, as the old British-era bridge was nearing collapse. A temporary diversion is being created at the site until the new bridge is finished.

It was noted that Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi had mentioned that the NHAI allocated Rs 580 million in February last year, and Karnataka PWD was assigned the repair work. The 43.381 km stretch on the Karnataka side of the road was taken up, and the inauguration of the repair work took place on February 24 last year.

Due to delays in completing the project, a high-level review meeting was held at the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner’s office last week. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla, the Belagavi-Kittur-Dharwad railway line, and other road projects, including the Halaga-Machche bypass on the Belagavi-Panaji NH748. The meeting, led by Belagavi MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, aimed to expedite the completion of these infrastructure projects. Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan is personally overseeing the progress of the work.

NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar stated that, in light of the difficulties faced by commuters traveling between Belagavi and Goa, MP Shettar had instructed officials to treat the project as a priority. Although work began last month, it is expected to be finished by the end of February this year.

According to Kumar, about 14 km of re-asphalting between Kinaye, Jamboti, and Kankumbi has nearly been completed, and the entire road is expected to be ready by February's end. He also assured that the quality of the work is being closely monitored, and the contractor has been instructed to avoid any delays. Furthermore, work on the 125-year-old British-era bridge has also begun, with a diversion being implemented at the location.

Commuters can look forward to a more comfortable and time-efficient journey between Belagavi and Goa by February.