Centre okays four-laning of Solapur-Vijayapura section of NH-52

The Centre on Wednesday approved the four-laning of Solapur-Vijayapura section of the new National Highway-52 (formerly NH-13) in Maharashtra and Karnataka from the existing two-lane. 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the project and, its total cost will be Rs 1,889 crore, which includes expenditure incurred on land acquisition and pre-construction activities for 118-km stretch of road. 

The existing two-lane passes through Solapur, Takli and Nandani in Maharashtra and Zalki, Horti and Vijayapura in Karnataka.

“The development of this road to four-lane with bypasses at Solapur, Vijayapura and building of six flyovers would reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs between the two cities. This road is part of the high-density traffic corridor of Bengaluru-Chitradurga-Vijayapura-Solapur-Aurangabad-Dhule-Indore-Gwalior,” said a statement.

The provision for two by-passes will ensure decongestion of the urban areas of Solapur and Vijayapura. Similarly, the six flyovers would facilitate fast movement of traffic in Solapur, Mandrup, Zalki and Vijayapura towns.  “The project comprising building of service roads, truck drivers’ rest houses and slip roads in about 40 km and bus shelters at 24 locations will benefit safe, comfortable and smooth movement of long distance commercial traffic as well as movement of local traffic in inhabited/urbanised areas”, said the statement.