A delegation meets Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in Belagavi.
Photo Credits: The Goan
BELAGAVI
The Belgaum Traders Forum has petitioned Union Minister For Road Transport And Highways Nitin Gadkari for urgent repair of the Belagavi-Goa roads via Chorla and Anmod.
In a petition submitted to Gadkari, President of Citizens Council, Belagavi, Satish Tendulkar highlighted the poor conditions of both roards. “The stretch of road from Belagavi till the end of Karnataka border near Chorla village is in a very bad and non-motorable condition and needs immediate repair works at war footing,” Tendulkar said. “The second option road via Anmod as well is in most pathetic condition from Anmod Check Post to Khanapur and the work entrusted to the concern agency is delaying it for the reason not known to us.
“On the Anmod highway, many bridges are still in incomplete condition and need immediate attention in the best interest of the citizens, farmers and commuters,” stated Tendulkar.
Tendulkar claimed that Goa and its commercial economy is fully dependent on supply of materials like groceries, milk, vegetables, chicken and eggs, flowers, etc. from Belagavi.
“Belagavi is the biggest commercial hub as well as the supply support centre for Goa for decades. Goa is fully dependent on the neighbouring states for its daily needs of consumption and bad and pathetic roads causes a lot of inconvenience to traders, suppliers, transporters, tourists and is an additional financial burden on a sector that is already burdened with post Covid era.
“The additional burden is felt more severely by vehicles from neighbouring districts like Hubli, Dharwad, Belagavi, Bellary, Bijapure, Nippani Kolhapur, Karwar, etc. who are making almost daily trips to Goa carrying mostly essential commodities like vegetables, pulses and cereals, rice and other groceries, eggs, fish, meat, milk etc.”
Tendulkar further stated that Goa does not produce any raw materials and nor does it have a big market for finished goods. “The Goan industry and economy depends heavily on import of raw materials, most of which enter Goa through Chorla Ghat as at present Anmod (NH4A) is shut down for repairs.”
“Every day, a lot of breakdowns and minor accidents are common for last many years on this road and commuters are suffering lot of inconvenience due to the same. Even on Saturday and Sundays, maximum visitors visit Belagavi, Kolhapur, Hubli, Dharwad markets for their purchases which is supporting our regional economy to boost up rapidly.”
Tendulkar also demanded a new connected road to Mopa International Airport via Chandagad Jambre Dam area. “The road via Chandagad which connects to Mopa International Airport is needed as it will boost the economy and the commercial activity of Chandagad, Ajra, Gadhinglage, Kolhapur, Belagavi, Hubli, Dharwad and surrounding areas. The international airport will be below 100 kms from Belagavi,” he added.
