The work of widening the Shivamogga–Tumakuru National Highway 69 (formerly NH 206) has reached the final stages, and is scheduled for completion by March 2027, announced Shivamogga Member of Parliament B.Y. Raghavendra.

Mr. Raghavendra had raised a query regarding the project’s status with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways during the recent parliamentary session. In response, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed that three of the project’s four phases are now nearly complete.

Taken up at an estimated cost of ₹6,400 crore, the four-laning project spans a total distance of 214.43 km, out of which widening of 197.42 km has been completed

The first phase work from Mallasandra to Karadi (52.89 km) had been completed. The progress in the second phase from Karadi - Banavara (56.70km), and third phase from Banavara-Bettadahalli (48.51 km) was 98%. complete. The physical progress of the last phase from Bettadahalli to Shivamogga (56.33 km) stood at 83.78%.

Regarding land acquisition, the MP informed that 1,268.33 hectares of the required 1,271.41 hectares has been acquired and handed over to the contractor. Forest clearance for constructing bridges along the stretch is in progress.

Once fully operational, the upgraded highway will drastically reduce travel time between Shivamogga and Bengaluru, providing a major boost to trade, economic growth, and tourism in the Malnad region.

Mr. Raghavendra expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for prioritising the project. He appealed to the government of Karnataka to extend full support in completing the remaining land acquisition to ensure the project is competed with the deadline.

Published - August 01, 2026 04:40 pm IST