Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 3: Chief minister Siddaramaiah met Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday, urging swift approval for crucial infrastructure projects to boost the state’s connectivity and economic growth.

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude for the Centre’s support in expanding the national highway network in Karnataka. Citing high traffic volumes on state highways, he presented a memorandum requesting approval for several key projects. These include the construction of nine grade separators along NH-275 in Mysuru to ease congestion, a tunnel on NH-75 (formerly NH-48) from Maranahalli to Addahole in Shiradi Ghat to enhance Bengaluru-Mangaluru connectivity via Mangaluru Port, and the expedited approval of the Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway. Additionally, he sought an increase in National Highway project funding from Rs 24,000 crore under the 2025-26 annual plan, the construction of a flyover at Hebbal Junction (NH-44) in Bengaluru to address a major traffic bottleneck, and the upgrading of key roads to National Highway status. He also proposed the construction of tunnels to improve traffic flow at major entry and exit points of Bengaluru.

Siddaramaiah urged Gadkari to direct relevant authorities to fast-track approvals, emphasizing Karnataka’s commitment to improving road infrastructure. He highlighted that state agencies are expediting land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting to accelerate project execution.

In addition to the meeting, the chief minister inaugurated the newly constructed Karnataka Bhavan-1 in Delhi. The event saw the presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajya Sabha leader of opposition, and several Karnataka ministers, including deputy CM D K Shivakumar, Satish Jarkiholi, H C Mahadevappa, K N Rajanna, and K H Muniyappa.