MLA faults engineers over ‘unscientific’ drain that reduces carriageway space
Hubballi — MLA Mahesh Tenginkai on Monday ordered Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways officials to dismantle and rebuild a recently constructed drain after finding it had narrowed the road and left an excessive footpath beneath the under-construction flyover opposite Dhammanagi Plaza near the Old Bus Stand. Local reports said Tenginkai inspected the flyover work with officials and was visibly upset at the layout.
During the inspection at Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle and nearby junctions, Tenginkai questioned the technical judgement behind allocating almost half of the available width for pedestrian space while constricting the carriageway. He described the work as an example of engineering irresponsibility and "unscientific execution", and instructed officials to reinstate the drain to its original alignment.
"The drain that has been constructed should be removed and rebuilt at the original location. This is an example of the irresponsibility of engineers and unscientific execution of the work," said Tenginkai.
Officials accompanied the MLA as he inspected the ongoing flyover and concrete road works at several locations across the city. The inspection itinerary included Desai Circle, Court Circle, Chennamma Circle, Basavavana, IT Park and Hosur Circle. Tenginkai directed officials to expedite remaining works and repair damages at stretches where concrete road work has already been completed.
- He set a firm deadline for the flyover project completion: end of December, with no extension to be permitted.
- Concrete roads have been laid on both sides for about three km from IT Park to the Old Bus Stand, officials said during the inspection.
- Two box girders are yet to be installed near Chennamma Circle, according to the inspection notes.
Local reporting said Tenginkai directed immediate rectification of damaged stretches at sites where work had been declared complete. He also emphasised the need for scientific planning in execution to avoid compromising vehicular movement while providing pedestrian facilities.
| Location inspected | Action/Observation |
|---|---|
| Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle | Inspection of flyover works; drain alignment questioned |
| Desai Circle / Court Circle | Concrete road works reviewed; repairs ordered where damaged |
| IT Park to Old Bus Stand | Approximately 3 km of concrete roads completed on both sides |
| Near Chennamma Circle | Two box girders pending installation |
The MLA stressed that narrowing the vehicular carriageway in favour of a wide footpath would not serve public interest if it impeded traffic flow. He asked the PWD and National Highways personnel to adhere to engineering norms and to ensure that future work does not compromise road safety or movement.
According to local accounts, officials assured Tenginkai that the flyover work was nearing completion and that they were confident of meeting the revised deadline. The MLA, however, underlined accountability and instructed that no further extensions be granted beyond the end of December timetable.
The inspection highlights continuing coordination challenges between state PWD and national highway agencies in urban infrastructure projects in Hubballi. Residents and motorists around the Old Bus Stand and adjoining junctions can expect short-term disruptions while the drain is rebuilt and damaged road sections are repaired.
City commuters will be watching implementation closely as the flyover promises to reshape traffic patterns around several busy circles in Hubballi once complete.
