Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the state budget for 2025-26, marking his record 16th budget. The budget, expected to exceed ₹4 lakh crore, focuses on industrial growth, infrastructure enhancement, and social welfare initiatives.
Major Announcements for Belagavi
- Global Technology & Innovation Hubs: KEONICS will develop Global Innovation Districts in Mysuru, Belagavi, Dharwad, and Bengaluru to strengthen Karnataka’s position in Global Capability Centres. Additionally, three new Global Technology Centres will be set up in Mangaluru, Hubballi, and Belagavi as plug-and-play facilities.
- Infrastructure Development: ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for a flyover project in Belagavi city. A Ring Road is proposed in Bailahongal Taluk to improve connectivity.
- New DC Office: A ₹55 crore grant has been sanctioned for constructing a new District Commissioner office in Belagavi.
- Agriculture & Irrigation: A feasibility study will be conducted to establish a new Agricultural College in Athani taluk. Minor irrigation projects have been planned in Junzarvad, Athani Taluk.
- Sports & Research Initiatives: A state-of-the-art sports research centre will be set up in Belagavi, along with another in Mysuru, at a total cost of ₹7 crore.
- Healthcare & Hospitals: Renovation and infrastructure upgrades will be carried out at Taluka Hospitals in Ramdurg and Savadatti, as well as district hospitals across the state. A total of ₹650 crore has been allocated for these healthcare projects.
- Road Safety & AI Surveillance: AI-enabled electronic cameras will be installed at 60 locations in Belagavi, Chitradurga, Haveri, Davangere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, and Dakshina Kannada to monitor traffic violations. The project is estimated at ₹50 crore.
- Urban Development & Startups: A startup development initiative will be launched in Belagavi, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Kalaburagi to promote entrepreneurship. Additionally, ₹2,000 crore will be provided for infrastructure projects in City Corporations across Karnataka.
- Tourism & Cultural Heritage: Development work will be undertaken at Savadatti Shri Kshetra Yallamma Devi Temple. A ₹2 crore grant has been allocated for constructing a memorial for freedom fighter Dr. N.S. Hardikar at Arogyadhama in Ghataprabha, Belagavi district.
- Education & Special Needs Schools: Government residential schools for special children in Belagavi and Mysuru will be upgraded at a cost of ₹5 crore, with operations managed in collaboration with NGOs.
- Soil & Water Management: A large-scale integrated soil and water conservation initiative will be implemented in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, and Mandya, covering 3,000 hectares in partnership with sugar factories to enhance agricultural sustainability.
Statewide Announcements Impacting Belagavi
- ₹8,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure projects, including roads, irrigation, and urban development across all assembly constituencies.
- Liquor prices are expected to be reviewed and hiked to align with neighboring states.
- The Upper Krishna Project will see land acquisition for further implementation.
- Underground drainage systems will be developed in Shikaripura, Sagar, Ainapura, Kudachi, Bailahongal, Shahapur, and other towns at a cost of ₹142 crore.
With these allocations, the Karnataka government aims to enhance Belagavi’s infrastructure, technology ecosystem, healthcare, sports, and agriculture, reinforcing the district’s role in the state’s development.