NHAI told to expedite work as contractor seeks time till March next to complete bypass road

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has said that the contractor entrusted with widening the 30.60-km-long Hubballi-Dharwad Bypass Road into six lanes has sought time till March 2026 for completing work and the authorities have been asked to take steps to expedite the work.

Speaking to presspersons after a visit to Hubballi-Dharwad Bypass Road on Wednesday, the Deputy Commissioner said that as the contractor was given time till September 2025 to complete the work on the 30.6-km-long six-lane road and so far, 73.89% work has been completed.

“The contractor has requested NHAI authorities to give time till March 2026 to complete the remaining work. As of now the work on the remaining 15% has gained momentum. The authorities have been directed to further expedite the work to complete the remaining work at the earliest,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the work, worth ₹580 crore, includes widening the road, construction of bridges and rainwater management.

Already, 62 acres of land have been acquired for the purpose and considering the plea of the general public, farmers and local residents, service roads will be widened at a few places, she said.

To a query, she said that low-lying locations that were prone to inundation during heavy rain have already been identified and flyovers will be constructed at such locations.

“For the purpose, an additional 23 acres of land have to be acquired and the acquisition process is under way,” she said.

She also said that the progress of the work is being closely watched and monthly reports have been sought.

This apart, NHAI authorities have been directed to ensure quality works and take immediate repair works on road stretches damaged due to heavy rain. It has also been made clear that no compromise on the quality of work will be tolerated, she added.

Special Land Acquisition Officer of NHAI Devaraj R., Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar, Dharwad Tahsildar D.H. Hugar, NHAI officials and representatives of the contractor were present.