Belagavi District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi has announced that more than fifteen key development projects across the district and taluk levels will be launched shortly. The projects are expected to be inaugurated together by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Monday, Jarkiholi responded to questions on delays in implementing announced projects. He explained that as per the existing system, projects approved in one budget receive funds in the subsequent budget, which leads to such gaps.
He said funds have already been sanctioned for several works, including ₹75 crore for constructing the Belagavi District Collector’s Office, ₹10 crore for Patrika Bhawan, ₹215 crore for development works in the Savadatti Yallamma constituency, ₹35 crore for the Hudali railway overbridge, and ₹40 crore for the Lolsur Bridge in Gokak. All these works are expected to commence by March.
The minister noted that no new bridges had been constructed by the Public Works Department in the district over the past 10 years. Considering current requirements, plans have been drawn up to build three major bridges in Khanapura taluk, one in Kagawad taluk, and two in Nippani taluk.
He further stated that when he assumed office, 48 state and national highway projects were stalled for various reasons. Issues related to 39 of these road projects have since been resolved, while the remaining three are pending before the court.
Jarkiholi added that these matters have been taken up with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking additional projects and grants for the state, to which the Union Minister has responded positively.
