To address traffic congestion en route to Sambra Airport, the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) has approved the expansion of the Nilji–Sambra road into a four-lane stretch. This development follows continuous public demand to widen the narrow two-lane road currently linking Nilji to the airport.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced that ₹17 crore has been allocated for land acquisition and ₹55 crore for construction, making the total cost of the 4-km project ₹72 crore. The upgraded road will include a central divider, footpaths on both sides, and street lighting.
While a four-lane road already connects the National Highway to Nilji, the remaining stretch towards the airport remains a traffic bottleneck, with daily congestion caused by high vehicle volume. The proposed upgrade is expected to ensure smoother and safer access to the airport, which is witnessing increased traffic.
Minister Jarkiholi stated that land acquisition will be completed within three weeks, tenders will be floated in a month, and construction is projected to finish in four to five months. The road is likely to be inaugurated during the Karnataka Legislature’s winter session in December.
He also mentioned that a long-term plan to build a flyover connecting Sambra Airport directly to the city is underway, with a two-year completion timeline. Once completed, it is expected to significantly cut travel time for passengers entering Belagavi.
The minister further acknowledged the ongoing traffic issues near Gandhi Nagar on the national highway, where a single service road currently serves vehicles coming from Hubballi-Dharwad and Bailahongal. Responding to public demand, he confirmed that the proposal for an additional service road is under active review.
