Construction on the ambitious Panaji-Hyderabad Expressway, a crucial economic corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, is progressing at a rapid pace, with significant strides made in land acquisition and civil works in Karnataka's Bagalkot district. This four-lane, access-controlled highway is designed to seamlessly connect key industrial and agricultural hubs across three states, promising a major boost to freight movement and regional trade.
Project Scope and Rapid Progress in Karnataka
Officially designated as the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor (EC-10), this greenfield project is being developed with an investment of Rs 12,000 crore by the Union government. A vital segment of this corridor is the Belagavi-Raichur Greenfield Highway (NH-748A). The project is being executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), and recent updates indicate substantial headway.
In Bagalkot district alone, authorities have completed a remarkable 90% of the land acquisition process for a 102-kilometer stretch. Construction activity has already commenced on the ground. The acquisition details are precise: 306.8 hectares have been acquired for the project's third package in the district, and 338.9 hectares for the fourth package. In total, the plan includes constructing nine major flyovers within Bagalkot district to ensure smooth, high-speed travel.
Route Alignment and Economic Impact
The highway's alignment is strategically planned to spur fresh development. From Raichur district, it will pass through Sirwar, Kavithal, and Amadihal before entering Bagalkot via Nandavdagi, Aminagad, Teggi, and Kerur. It will then proceed towards Ramdurg and Bailhongal in Belagavi district, ultimately linking Panaji in Goa to Hyderabad in Telangana.
As a completely new alignment, the expressway is expected to be a catalyst for commercial growth in the towns and villages along its path. It will directly connect and boost diverse economic sectors:
- Fishing and pharmaceuticals in Goa.
- Food grains and agriculture in Belagavi and Raichur.
- IT and pharmaceuticals in Hyderabad.
The improved logistics will significantly ease the transportation of regional produce like sugarcane, cement, minerals, cotton, and fruits, while also boosting roadside businesses such as hotels and service stations.
Challenges and Expected Timeline
While the tender process is complete and funds have been released, the project faces some hurdles. Delays have been reported in certain areas due to lingering land acquisition issues, and there are indications of politically motivated attempts to obstruct work at some locations. However, the central government has issued clear instructions to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
Bagalkot MP PC Gaddigoudar acknowledged the initial obstacles, stating, "Initially, there were obstacles to land acquisition for the Panaji–Hyderabad National Highway project. Now, compensation disbursal to farmers has picked up pace and construction work has begun. This project will greatly aid commercial and industrial development."
Overall, with the current momentum, the Panaji-Hyderabad Expressway is expected to be completed within the next two years. Upon completion, it is poised to dramatically enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and contribute substantially to the economic development of the entire region, fulfilling its role as a vital artery under the Bharatmala initiative.
