Centre approves building of four-laning of Solarpur-Bijapur section of NH 52

The Centre on Wednesday approved the construction of 4-laning of Solapur-Bijapur section of new National Highway 52 (formerly NH-13) in Maharashtra and Karnataka from existing two-lane.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the project and its total cost will be Rs 1,889 crore which includes expenditure incurred for land acquisition and pre-construction activities for 118 km stretch of road.

At present, the existing two- lane passes through Solapur, Takli and Nandani in Maharashtra and Zalki, Horti and Bijapur in Karnataka.

“The development to four- lane of this road with bypasses at Solapur, Bijapur and building of six flyovers would reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs between two cities. This road is part of the high-density traffic corridor Banglore-Chitradurga-Bijapur-Solapur-Aurangabad-Dhule-Indore-Gwalior”, said a statement.

The provision for two by-passes will ensure decongestion of the urban areas of Solapur and Bijapur. Similarly, the six flyovers would facilitate fast movement of traffic in Solapur, Mandrup, Zalki and Bijapur towns.

”Since the project comprising building of service roads, truck drivers rest houses, slip roads in about 40 km and bus shelters at 24 locations will benefit safe, comfortable and smooth movement of long distance commercial traffic as well as movement of local traffic in inhabited/urbanized areas”, said the statement.

The project will also help to provide better connectivity to important tourist places including Bijapur, Hampi and Chitradurga, said the statement.

Since the project expected to generate 4,48,360 mandays during the construction period of this stretch, it will help increase employment potential for local labourers in that region.