Shivamogga, Karnataka: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 18 National Highway Projects, amounting to a total investment of ₹6,168 crore in Shivamogga, Karnataka, today.
The projects encompass a diverse range of strategic developments, contributing to enhanced connectivity, industrial growth, and accessibility to key pilgrimage and heritage sites in the region. The Bhanapur Gaddanakeri Section, part of the unveiled projects, stands out for significantly improving access to historical sites like Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakallu, and Badami. This development is poised to augment connectivity to the mining and industrial hubs of Bellary and Hospet.
Another noteworthy project, the Ankola-Gooty Section, passing through Hubballi City, establishes a crucial link to North Karnataka’s largest Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and the revered Shri Siddarudha Math pilgrimage site. The Arabail to Idagundi Section is designed to fortify connectivity to the ports of Karwar and Mangaluru.
The Maharashtra Border to Vijayapur section is expected to stimulate industrial growth in Kalyana Karnataka, connecting Vijayapur’s sugar industries and the cement belt comprising Miriyan, Chincholi, and Kalaburgi. Additionally, the Bellary Bypass project aims to alleviate congestion, while the Bellary to Byrapura section enhances interstate connectivity. The Mudigere to Chikkamagaluru project is set to uplift agriculture and pilgrimage sites in the Malnad region.
Shri Nitin Gadkari’s initiative reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering infrastructure, fostering economic development, and improving the overall quality of transportation networks. The strategic focus on key sectors aligns with the broader vision of catalyzing growth and prosperity in the region.