Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 18 national highway (NH) projects with a total investment of ₹6,168 crore in Shivamogga, Karnataka.The Bhanapur-Gaddanakeri section significantly improves access to historic sites like Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakallu, and Badami, enhancing connectivity to Bellary and Hospet’s mining and industrial hubs.
The Ankola-Gooty Section, through Hubballi city, links to north Karnataka’s largest APMC and Shri Siddarudha Math pilgrimage site. The Arabail to Idagundi Section strengthens connectivity to Karwar and Mangaluru ports, the ministry said.
The Maharashtra border to Vijayapur section stimulates Kalyana Karnataka’s industrial growth, connecting Vijayapur’s sugar industries and Miriyan, Chincholi, and Kalaburgi’s cement belt. Bellary bypass eases congestion, and the Bellary to Byrapura section boosts interstate connectivity. Mudigere to Chikkamagaluru uplifts Malnad’s agriculture and pilgrimage sites, the MoRTH added.