Transportation infrastructure in India is undergoing a major transformation, and Karnataka is emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Recently, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced in Parliament that a total of 3,187 km of national highway projects have been sanctioned for the state in the last five years. These projects include expressways, economic corridors, and key national highways that aim to dramatically improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic development.
The announcement came during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, when BJP member Lahar Singh Siroya sought updates on the Centre’s investment in Karnataka’s road network. Gadkari confirmed that these projects are part of India’s long-term vision to enhance mobility and logistics efficiency across the country.
What the 3,187 km National Highway Projects Mean for Karnataka
Karnataka has seen consistent infrastructure expansion in recent years, but the sanctioning of over 3,187 km of expressways and national highways marks a significant leap in connectivity.
Key Highlights
Expressways & Economic Corridors: These are designed to reduce congestion, improve interstate movement, and create faster routes for logistics and trade.
Boost for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: Many smaller cities and rural regions will be connected more efficiently.
Economic Growth Catalyst: Better roads facilitate manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and service-sector growth.
The long-term benefits include improved freight movement, enhanced safety, new investment opportunities, and faster rural–urban connectivity.
Requests Raised in Parliament Alongside the Highway Announcement
Along with the national highway update, several MPs highlighted urgent infrastructure demands from their constituencies.
Demand for BSNL Towers in Rural Karnataka
During Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun urged the government to install BSNL towers in rural areas, pointing out the severe network issues in many villages.
Key Concerns Shared
Villages like Haleshpur in Channagiri taluk still lack mobile coverage.
Students, farmers, and small businesses suffer due to poor connectivity.
She also requested early salary revision for BSNL employees, stressing the need to empower the telecom workforce.
Better telecom infrastructure is essential for digital inclusion, online education, UPI payments, and emergency communication in rural regions.
Approval Sought for Revised Costs of NH-373 (Belur–Hassan Section)
Hassan MP Shreyas M Patel raised another important issue: the delay in the four-laning of National Highway 373 (Belur–Hassan section).
Why NH-373 Expansion is Crucial
It connects key economic zones and industrial hubs.
Faster movement of goods will directly support local businesses and farmers.
Land acquisition delays are slowing the project’s progress.
He urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite approvals and complete the land acquisition process to avoid further delays.
How These Developments Will Transform Karnataka
The combined impact of:
3,187 km of new highway projects
Improved telecom infrastructure
Upgraded economic corridors
Four-lane expansions like NH-373
…will reshape Karnataka’s growth trajectory.
Expected Benefits
Faster travel between major cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hassan, Hubballi, and Mangaluru
Boost to tourism circuits such as Coorg, Hampi, Gokarna, and Jog Falls
Growth in warehousing, logistics parks, and e-commerce distribution
Better rural connectivity
Job creation during and after construction
These projects align with India’s goal of creating world-class highway networks and expanding digital infrastructure across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many kilometres of national highways were sanctioned for Karnataka?
A total of 3,187 km of national highway projects were sanctioned in the last five years, including expressways and economic corridors.
2. Who announced the highway projects?
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shared this information during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha.
3. Which areas in Karnataka still lack mobile network coverage?
Many villages, including Haleshpur in Channagiri taluk, still struggle with mobile connectivity, prompting requests for BSNL tower installations.
4. What is the issue with the NH-373 project?
The Belur–Hassan section requires a revised cost estimate and faster land acquisition to proceed with four-laning.
5. How will these developments benefit Karnataka?
They will improve connectivity, boost trade, enhance rural access, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth.
Conclusion
The sanctioning of 3,187 km of national highway projects marks a major milestone in Karnataka’s infrastructure journey. With new expressways, economic corridors, and critical four-lane expansions, the state is positioned for faster connectivity, stronger logistics, and broader economic growth. The parallel concerns raised in Parliament — from installing BSNL towers in rural villages to expediting the NH-373 Belur–Hassan expansion — highlight the urgent need for balanced development across both urban and rural regions.
As these projects move forward, Karnataka stands to benefit from smoother transportation, enhanced digital access, better market linkages, and improved quality of life. The coming years will be crucial as these initiatives take shape, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, commuters, and communities across the state.
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