In a program jointly organized by the National Highways Authority of India, the Public Works Department, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, here on Thursday, he was speaking following the laying of the foundation stone for 18 national highway projects totaling 300 km in length and worth Rs 6,200 crore. The projects span seven districts: Shivamogga, Ballari, Chitradurga, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada. Additionally, he inaugurated 296.92 km of national highway projects at Nehru Stadium.
According to him, the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway project's completion would cut down the travel time between the two cities to two hours. In addition to connecting the nation's two IT hubs, this would open doors for numerous international businesses and sectors.
He stated that Karnataka is now working on highway projects valued at Rs 3 lakh crore. It is anticipated that new projects valued at Rs 1.5 lakh crore would shortly start construction. Additionally, he urged Public Works Department Minister Saitsh Jarkiholi, who was seated on the dais, to resolve obstacles with the Forest Department and land acquisition so that the projects could be finished on schedule. According to him, the NH-206 length between Tumakuru and Shivamogga is anticipated to be finished by January 2025.
He mentioned the Mysuru-Wayanad NH212, stating that because Bandipur National Park is located there, it is prohibited for cars to go along this route between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in order to protect the wildlife. Therefore, at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, an alternate road connecting Mysuru and Malappuram is being created for the welfare of the people, he said.
