Road connecting Belagavi-Bagalkot districts to be upgraded at a cost of ₹300 crore

A representational photo of a highway. The 65-km Arabavi-Lokapur Road will be upgraded to a State Highway and developed as a two-lane carriageway at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

The government of Karnataka has approved expansion and development of a road between Belagavi and Bagalkot districts.

The Arabavi-Lokapur Road that passes through Kulagod and Yadawad is the shortest distance between the two districts. The 65-km road will be upgraded to a State Highway and developed as a two-lane carriageway at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore.

There is no need for land acquisition. However, the shoulder will be widened in some places, accompanied by development and clearing of bylanes, and development of bypass roads around towns.

The project is expected to boost trade, commerce and tourism, apart from helping residents of border villages seek healthcare in hospitals in neighbouring districts.

“Most of our trade, especially in textile and vegetables, happens through this route. We will benefit if it is improved and travel time is reduced,” said Basavanneppa Chandaragi, a weaver and trader from Ghataprabha.

He buys foodgrains, lentils, vegetables and fruits from Belagavi, and sells them in Bagalkot. He procures sarees and blouse pieces, and jowar rotis and chutney powder from Bagalkot district, for sale in Belagavi district.

“We need nearly two hours to travel from Arabavi to Lokapur. We would benefit if the travel time is reduced by half,” he said.

The new road is also expected to improve the condition of villages along the way.

Public Works Development Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that work on the project will start soon and will be completed in six months.

Published - June 17, 2025 10:27 am IST