The ambitious construction of a flyover connecting Gandhi Nagar (National Highway) to Peeranwadi via Channamma Circle, Bogarves, and RPD Circle has regained significant momentum. This project holds immense importance to the Minister of Public Works Department (PWD), Satish Jarkiholi, and if successfully implemented, it has the potential to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion issues plaguing the city substantially. With a total length of 11 kilometers, the flyover promises to be a game-changer in resolving traffic woes.
During a meeting on Tuesday, the minister engaged in discussions with officials regarding the initiation of the project’s first phase, emphasizing the importance of preparing the design. Notably, back in 2016, Satish Jarkiholi, serving as the district in-charge minister at the time, exhibited keen interest in realizing the flyover project. To support this endeavor, a special grant of Rs 100 crore was sanctioned by the government to the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC).
Taking charge of the situation, officials from the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) proactively arranged a meeting involving various stakeholders to pave the way for the implementation of the flyover project. However, the progress of the project hit a snag when local MLA Firoz Sait voiced a contrasting perspective on utilizing the special grant. Sait advocated for allocating the funds towards developing a multi-level car parking facility, an art gallery, and swimming pools, diverging from the original intention of utilizing the grant for the flyover construction.
As per Ashok Chandaragi, a prominent social worker, the concept of the flyover project initially emerged in 2005 during the tenure of Chief Minister N Dharam Singh. Fast forward to 2016, when Satish expressed his inclination to kickstart the first phase of the project, covering a stretch of 2 kilometers. This proposal involved utilizing a special grant of Rs 100 crore. However, local MLA Firoz Sait voiced his opposition, asserting that the estimated cost of the project would be Rs 500 crore. Sait argued that it would be imprudent to allocate the special grant towards the project, citing reasons against it.
“During a meeting held on November 15, 2017, at the Belagavi Circuit House, we had the opportunity to engage with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deliberate on the flyover project. To our surprise, the Chief Minister expressed astonishment regarding the diversion of funds towards alternative purposes. We now appreciate the positive development initiated by Satish Jarkiholi, who has demonstrated a keen interest in implementing the project. This move comes as a much-needed step, considering the escalating traffic challenges faced by the city. It is a commendable decision by Jarkiholi” according to Chandaragi.
