Road widening planned in Old Hubballi

Pic: Dense traffic between New English School and Indi Pump Circle in Old Hubballi

Hubballi: The stretch between New English School and Indi Pump Circle in Old Hubballi has long been a source of frustration for commuters due to its notorious traffic congestion.

This 1.2-kilometre stretch is a vital artery in the area, and its current state prompted residents to demand action. Responding to these concerns, local MLA Prasad Abbayya took a proactive stance, advocating for the road's widening to alleviate the traffic woes.

The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), under the guidance of MLA Abbayya, initiated a comprehensive plan to address the issue. The first step involved conducting a detailed survey of the stretch, which was carried out in collaboration with the officials of the assistant director of land records (ADLR). This survey was crucial in understanding the current state of the road and the properties that would be affected by the widening project.

Following the survey, HDMC officials undertook the task of valuing the properties along the road. The plan is to expand the road to a uniform width of 18 metres, as the current width varies from 10 to 16 and contributes to the congestion. The survey identified a total of 261 structures and properties that would be impacted by the project. Of these, 18 are owned by HDMC, while the remaining 243 are privately owned. Additionally, there are 6 temples, 1 masjid, and 2 schools, sources in HDMC said.

The financial implications of the project were carefully considered. Based on the sub-registrar's valuation, the estimated cost for the road widening, including compensation for affected property owners, is approximately Rs 5.7 crore. This budget reflects the commitment to ensuring fair compensation for those whose properties will be impacted. Once all the procedures are completed, the compensation work will be initiated by PWD officials, sources added.

In a meeting held recently, MLA Prasad Abbayya stated that, as per the road widening survey report, a Rs 5.7 crore grant is required for land acquisition, including 243 private properties, and for road widening. The grant will be met from the state chief minister's special grant and will be discussed at the govt level. A special grant will be secured after discussions with the chief minister. Abbayya urged officials to work in coordination and cooperation with each other.

Vijay Kumar R, superintending engineer, said that the road widening project is not just about improving traffic flow; it is also about enhancing the quality of life for residents and commuters in Old Hubballi. By addressing the congestion issue, the project aims to create a more efficient and safer transportation route, ultimately contributing to the area's economic and social development. The initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort between local govt officials and the community to bring about positive change.