New road to bypass chaos of ore trucks

New road to bypass chaos of ore trucks
Source: HDMC website

A special meeting has been convened by Hubli - Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) on May 30, to approve construction of a two-lane road from Mantur Road to Bidnal at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore, in a bid to prevent the entry of iron ore trucks into Hubli City.

The 7.5 km road will be taken up on 'turn key' basis with equal contribution of Rs 1 crore each by the State government, Karnataka Lorry Owners' Association and the HDMC. The project could be completed within six months from the date of starting of the work.

The road had become a necessity to check the entry of iron ore trucks inside Hubli City since the HDMC had spent Rs 30 crore recently on the improvement of all important roads.

Traffic chaos

Every day thousands of trucks loaded with iron ore from Bellary pass through Hubli on the way to Karwar Road. This was not only g causing traffic chaos but also damaging newly laid roads.

Recently, Hubli citizens took strong objection to the movement of iron ore trucks inside the city and had demanded restriction on their movement.

The HDMC had already adopted a resolution urging the State government to impose a ban on the movement of iron ore trucks and authorised HDMC commissioner to take necessary action in due consultation with the State government. Two weeks ago, Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner Narayan Nadmani had convened a meeting of citizens,representatives of lorry owners' association, Regional Transport Authority and HDMC to evolve an alternative route for the easy movement of iron ore trucks without entering the city.

Win-win formula

Mr Phatke, executive engineer of HDMC came up with a proposal to develop a road from Gadag side which passes through Mantur, Bidnal and connects to National Highway Number 4 bypassing the city. The proposal was unanimously approved and the corporation was directed to work out a detailed project.

The road belongs to Public Works Department, which has already taken up improvement of road with the financial assistance of Nabard. Now the same road could be further developed into double road at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.

The lorry owners' association and the HDMC had already agreed to contribute Rs 1 crore each towards the project. Once the HDMC gives its consent the same would be forwarded to the State government through deputy commissioner for necessary approval.