A brand new flyover on National Highway 50, connecting Hosalli and Hitnal in Koppal taluk, officially opened its lanes on Friday. Both public officials and elected representatives emphasized that this crucial project is set to dramatically reduce accidents along this frequently traveled route.
During the inauguration ceremony, K. Rajashekhar Basavaraj Hitnal, the Lok Sabha Member for Koppal, highlighted ongoing efforts to achieve “near zero” road accidents. These initiatives involve constructing more flyovers at dangerous intersections and deploying CCTV cameras in areas known for high accident rates.
“Each year, this 15-kilometer stretch of NH-50 and NH-63 witnesses approximately 190 accidents, tragically claiming the lives of 50 to 60 individuals,” Mr. Hitnal stated. He further explained that the previous Lok Sabha Member, Karadi Sanganna, had successfully secured ₹120 crore to build flyovers at strategic points including Ningapur, Hosalli, Shahapur, Methgal, and Hitnal. These projects are progressively being completed.
Constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of ₹19.43 crore, the new flyover is now fully accessible to the public. Mr. Hitnal announced that lighting installations would be added shortly. He also mentioned that CCTV cameras are already in place, and a sophisticated system will automatically fine vehicles exceeding the 60 kmph speed limit for heavy vehicles and 70 kmph for cars and buses.
Koppal MLA K. Raghavendra Hitnal expressed his satisfaction with the swift completion of this long-awaited project, which promises much safer passage for vehicles. He informed attendees that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to visit Koppal on October 6 to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various development projects totaling over ₹1,500 crore, encouraging widespread public attendance.
Karadi Sanganna, the former Lok Sabha Member for Koppal, reflected on his instrumental role in getting the project approved. He extended his congratulations to the current Lok Sabha Member and the contractors for ensuring its rapid execution. Mr. Sanganna also advocated for the urgency of bypass construction in Kukanoor, Yelburga, Maski, and Sindhanur, along with the development of an airport in Koppal and expedited railway initiatives like the Daroji–Gangavati and Gangavati–Bagalkot lines.
Numerous local elected officials, government authorities, and community leaders were present at the event, including Hosalli gram panchayat president Suresh, Koppal CMC president Amjad Patel, and contractor Sharanbasavaraj Alur.