MP G. K. Shettar reviewed progress on airport expansion, new railway proposals and several national highway projects at a meeting in Belagavi. Officials presented updates on the Halaga–Machhe bypass, the Belagavi–Hunagund–Raichur highway packages and six-laning on the Belagavi–Sankeshwar corridor. The session also covered the proposed Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad railway line and requirements for a parallel taxi track at the airport.

On the nine-km Halaga–Machhe bypass officials reported that asphalting on nearly four km has been completed and that service road construction is under way. Remaining road works are expected to be completed shortly.

Progress on the 43.8-km Belagavi–Hunagund–Raichur highway Package?1 was reviewed and officials from the Bagalkote special land acquisition office said land acquisition for nearly 37 km has been completed. Compensation amounting to around Rs 2.7 billion (Rs 2.7 bn) has already been distributed to farmers. The entire process is expected to be completed by February 2027.

For Package?2, involving around 46.1 km of road work, officials said nearly Rs 20 mn has already been paid as compensation and land acquisition for approximately 38 km is complete. Certain complications in the acquisition process were raised and discussions were held to resolve them. The MP directed NHAI officials to provide service roads and cattle crossings for farmers from Naganur and Bhavihal in Bailhongal taluk.

The MP reviewed the proposed Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad railway line and noted that acquisition of nearly 1,190 acres is required, with the PAC having approved acquisition of around 407 acres. Officials reported that the State Government has yet to release the required funds, which could delay the project, and that work on a second lane near LC No. 381 in Tilakwadi should commence at the earliest. Airport officers indicated that land from the Air Force is required for construction of a parallel taxi track as part of expansion plans.