Mahesh Tenginkai, Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA, pulled up Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways officials on Monday for what he termed as “poor application of the mind” while executing road work under the ongoing elevated road project in Hubballi.

Mr. Tenginkai, who inspected the ongoing flyover project along with officials on Monday, was upset with the construction of a drain that, he said, had narrowed the carriageway and had left excessive space for a footpath beneath the under-construction flyover opposite the Old Bus Station in Hubballi.

He directed the officials to remove the drain and reconstruct it at its original location, adding that this was an example of the irresponsibility of engineers and the unscientific execution of the work.

Questioning the decision to leave a large portion of the available space for the footpath, he asked the officials why the road had been narrowed.

The MLA also inspected the ongoing flyover and concrete road works at Desai Circle, Court Circle, Chennamma Circle, Basavavana, IT Park, and Hosur Circle and directed officials to expedite the works.

He instructed them to repair damaged stretches of road at locations where the work had already been completed.

“The flyover work is nearing completion, and we are confident that it will be completed within the stipulated time. The deadline has been fixed for the end of December, and there will be no further extension under any circumstances,” Mr. Tenginkai said.

He said that concrete roads had been laid for about 3 km on both sides of the stretch between IT Park and the Old Bus Stand. Two box girders were yet to be installed near Kittur Chennamma Circle, and the officials had been instructed to complete the work using the latest technology, he said.

Mr. Tenginkai also said the BRTS bus shelter being constructed opposite and behind the IT Park would be removed in view of increased traffic congestion in the area. PWD Executive Engineer V.N. Patil and National Highways PWD Division Assistant Engineer Satish Naganur were present during the inspection.

Published - August 11, 2026 08:00 pm IST