GRJ Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu inspects the ongoing bypass widening work near Dharwad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
GRJ Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu said the contractor tasked with widening the 30.60 km Hubballi-Dharwad bypass to six lanes has sought time till March 2026 to complete the work and the authorities have been asked to take steps to speed up the work.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Hubballi-Dharwad bypass on Wednesday, the Deputy Commissioner said that the contractor has been given time till September 2025 to complete the work on the 30.6 km six-lane road and so far 73.89% of the work is complete.
“The contractor has asked the NHAI authorities to give time till March 2026 to complete the remaining works. At present, the work on the remaining 15% has gained momentum. The authorities have been directed to expedite the work further to complete the remaining works at the earliest,” she said.
The deputy commissioner said the works worth ₹580 crore include road widening, bridge construction and stormwater management.
For this purpose, 62 acres of land has already been acquired and in view of the request of the general public, farmers and local residents, service roads will be expanded at several places, she said.
To a query, she said that low-lying localities which were prone to flooding during heavy rain had already been identified and flyovers would be built over them.
“An additional 23 acres of land needs to be acquired for this and the acquisition process is underway,” she said.
She also said that the progress of the work was being closely monitored and monthly reports were requested.
Besides, the NHAI authorities have been directed to ensure quality work and carry out immediate repairs on road sections damaged by heavy rain. It was also made clear that no compromise in the quality of work would be tolerated, she added.
NHAI Special Land Acquisition Officer Devaraj R., Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar, Dharwad Tahsildar DH Hugar, NHAI officials and representatives of the contractor were present.
Published – 12 Nov 2025 19:56 IST
