<p>Hubballi: Stressing the need of improving urban infrastructure amid the rapid urbanisation trend across the country, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said it is predicted that about 50% of the population will reside in urban areas by 2051 but cities lack the infrastructure to accommodate such a huge population.</p><p>He was speaking after inaugurating the City and Suburban Bus Terminal (New Old Bus Terminal) here in the City on Sunday. Joshi said to facilitate the population growth, urban development should be planned and implemented accordingly.</p><p>Urban infrastructure and transportation, basic infrastructure, water, roads and power supply needs to be developed to ensure comfort living. “Public transportation should be made easily available at all places to avoid using personal vehicles,” he said and added that the urban local bodies should be strengthened and elected representatives should holistically work on it.</p><p>As the country has become an investment hub as several investers are coming here, India has become the growth centre of the world. Therefore, cities should be planned keeping the future in mind, he advised.</p><p>Speaking on the developmental works initiated under the Smart City Mission that are lacking maintenance, Joshi asked District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad to call a meeting of MLAs of all parties to find a solution on the maintenance issue.</p><p>He also advised the NWKRTC officials to maintain the newly constructed City and Suburban Bus Terminal in a better way to facilitate the passengers.</p><p>Drawing the attention of the district in-charge minister, Joshi said an apartment has been constructed to relocate some houses in Vani Vilas Circle to widen the road and develop the circle. But not a single house has been relocated yet.</p><p>Presiding over the function, MLA Mahesh Tenginkai assured that action will be taken before this month-end to relocate the houses identified at Vani Vilas Circle. He said the officials will take measures to set up an auto stand in the newly constructed terminal. He also advised the NWKRTC officials to make a facility for stoppage of inter-district buses too.</p><p>Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor Ramappa Badiger, MLC Pradeep Shettar, MLA Arvind Bellad, former MP I G Sanadi, HESCOM Chairman Azeem Peer Khadri, HDUDA Chairman Sakir Sanadi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C D, Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited Managing Director Rudresh Gali, HDBRTS MD Savitri Kadi and others were present.</p><p><strong>'Provide grants in lump sum'</strong></p><p>District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad said the developmental work should be taken up without any party barriers. The union government should provide a grant of Rs 2,000 crore in lump sum instead of releasing funds for urban development works in installments.</p><p>In a sharp reaction to BJP’s criticism on bus fare hike, Lad said Karnataka operates 25,000 buses, which is highest in the country. Increased fuel price, operational losses and for other reasons, it was inevitable to hike bus fare. Advising the IAS officials to change the practice of designing projects in offices without practical knowledge, Lad said projects should be people oriented and should be designed to help more and more people.</p>
<p>Hubballi: Stressing the need of improving urban infrastructure amid the rapid urbanisation trend across the country, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said it is predicted that about 50% of the population will reside in urban areas by 2051 but cities lack the infrastructure to accommodate such a huge population.</p><p>He was speaking after inaugurating the City and Suburban Bus Terminal (New Old Bus Terminal) here in the City on Sunday. Joshi said to facilitate the population growth, urban development should be planned and implemented accordingly.</p><p>Urban infrastructure and transportation, basic infrastructure, water, roads and power supply needs to be developed to ensure comfort living. “Public transportation should be made easily available at all places to avoid using personal vehicles,” he said and added that the urban local bodies should be strengthened and elected representatives should holistically work on it.</p><p>As the country has become an investment hub as several investers are coming here, India has become the growth centre of the world. Therefore, cities should be planned keeping the future in mind, he advised.</p><p>Speaking on the developmental works initiated under the Smart City Mission that are lacking maintenance, Joshi asked District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad to call a meeting of MLAs of all parties to find a solution on the maintenance issue.</p><p>He also advised the NWKRTC officials to maintain the newly constructed City and Suburban Bus Terminal in a better way to facilitate the passengers.</p><p>Drawing the attention of the district in-charge minister, Joshi said an apartment has been constructed to relocate some houses in Vani Vilas Circle to widen the road and develop the circle. But not a single house has been relocated yet.</p><p>Presiding over the function, MLA Mahesh Tenginkai assured that action will be taken before this month-end to relocate the houses identified at Vani Vilas Circle. He said the officials will take measures to set up an auto stand in the newly constructed terminal. He also advised the NWKRTC officials to make a facility for stoppage of inter-district buses too.</p><p>Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor Ramappa Badiger, MLC Pradeep Shettar, MLA Arvind Bellad, former MP I G Sanadi, HESCOM Chairman Azeem Peer Khadri, HDUDA Chairman Sakir Sanadi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C D, Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited Managing Director Rudresh Gali, HDBRTS MD Savitri Kadi and others were present.</p><p><strong>'Provide grants in lump sum'</strong></p><p>District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad said the developmental work should be taken up without any party barriers. The union government should provide a grant of Rs 2,000 crore in lump sum instead of releasing funds for urban development works in installments.</p><p>In a sharp reaction to BJP’s criticism on bus fare hike, Lad said Karnataka operates 25,000 buses, which is highest in the country. Increased fuel price, operational losses and for other reasons, it was inevitable to hike bus fare. Advising the IAS officials to change the practice of designing projects in offices without practical knowledge, Lad said projects should be people oriented and should be designed to help more and more people.</p>
