Dharwad: Despite completing the first phase of land acquisition for the expansion of the Hubballi-Dharwad bypass road from Narendra Cross in Dharwad to Gabbur in Hubballi along National Highway 48, the contractor has delayed the construction work. Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh has instructed contractors and officials to complete the project within the stipulated time without further delay.

During a site inspection of the bypass road works from Narendra Cross to Gabbur on Saturday morning, Dr. Rajneesh directed the contractors to finish the pending work within the next 15 days and submit a progress report. She also urged concerned officials to closely monitor the project to ensure quality and prevent substandard construction.

The project, which involves the development of a six-lane road, is scheduled for completion by December 2025 as per the agreement. However, Dr. Rajneesh emphasized the need to accelerate the work and make the road operational for public use at the earliest.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were instructed to expedite the clearance of files related to land acquisition, approve pending proposals, and release necessary funds promptly.

Dr. Rajneesh also inspected the work near the Kelageri railway overpass, where she stressed the importance of beginning the bridge expansion work immediately and arranging alternative routes for public convenience.

Land Acquisition Details
Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu provided details about the land acquisition process for the 30-kilometer bypass road. She stated that 14.26 hectares of land were acquired in the first phase, with ₹98 crore allocated for compensation. Out of this, ₹27 crore has already been distributed to farmers and landowners, with the remaining compensation under progress.

In the second phase, 10 hectares of land are being acquired, and proposals have been submitted to NHAI headquarters for approval. In the third phase, an additional 14 hectares will be acquired, with preparations underway.

Monitoring and Oversight
Deputy Commissioner Prabhu highlighted that the contractors were expected to complete the work between March 2023 and December 2025 as per the agreement. However, they were advised to complete the work before the deadline to ensure smooth public transportation. The contractors have been issued warnings regarding delays, and regular monitoring is in place to maintain the quality of work.

Officials Present
Special Land Acquisition Officer Devaraj R. briefed on the progress of land acquisition and construction during the inspection. Several officials, including Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, Superintendent of Police Dr. Gopal Byakod, Deputy Police Commissioner Mahaning Nandagavi, Dharwad Tahsildar D.H. Hugar, and project director Bhuvanesh Kumar, accompanied the Chief Secretary during the inspection.