A new district hospital has been approved for Gokak to meet the region’s rising healthcare needs, Public Works and Belagavi District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said on Wednesday.
He further informed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lay the foundation stone in October for two key infrastructure projects — the initial phase of the elevated corridor and the new deputy commissioner’s office. Jarkiholi was speaking during a press briefing organised by the Belagavi Journalists’ Association at the I&PR Department.
100-Bed Facilities in Pipeline
Responding to the region’s growing demand for medical services, Jarkiholi said that 100-bed hospitals have also been sanctioned for Savadatti, Ramdurg, and Athani. He added that the super-specialty hospital in Belagavi is ready and will be inaugurated shortly.
Detailing infrastructure efforts, he said the first phase of the elevated corridor will link the National Highway to Sambhaji Circle, with a second phase extending to the third railway gate. Due to a lack of central assistance, the state government has allocated funds for the project, he noted.
The minister added that PWD initiatives are clearly visible to the public, and that durable road works are underway. Land has been acquired for 27 highway projects and handed over to the NHAI, while 15 more await clearance.
Land Acquisition Progressing
On major connectivity projects, he said nearly 80% of landowners have been compensated for the Belagavi-Dharwad railway line and the Bennali-Mache-BSY Marg ring road. Work on both projects is expected to begin soon.
Jarkiholi also mentioned that after coming to power, the Congress government inherited ₹12,000 crore in unpaid dues to PWD contractors left by the previous BJP regime. These backlogs are now being cleared alongside the launch of new projects.
To maintain roads, the department has deployed 1,500 mile-coolies to manage pothole repairs and roadside maintenance along every 30 km. Inspection bungalows will be staffed with cooks, cleaners, and support personnel. He also said that seven acres of PWD land were recently recovered in Raibag as part of ongoing encroachment clearance.
Urging the Centre to grant environmental clearance for the Mahadayi river project, Jarkiholi pointed out that the Mahadayi Tribunal had allocated water after considering all relevant factors.
