The former president of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shankranna Munavalli, has urged elected representatives to set aside political differences and work together to improve infrastructure and basic amenities in Hubballi-Dharwad.

Mr. Munavalli, who is also chairman of the Sri Gurusiddeshwar Co-operative Bank and former director of the KLE Society, said in a release that Hubballi, being a major commercial and industrial centre in North Karnataka, attracted thousands of people every day but continued to face serious infrastructure gaps.

He pointed to inadequate parking facilities in commercial areas such as Koppikar Road, Durgad Bail, and Dajibanpeth in Hubballi, which, he said, contributed to traffic congestion. The city also needed clean and safe public toilets, particularly for women and visitors from outside the city, he said.

Criticising the repeated digging up of roads for development and utility works, he said that the authorities and agencies concerned should be made responsible for restoring roads within a fixed timeframe and to prescribed quality standards.

Expressing concern over footpath encroachments by street vendors, he called for a balanced approach under which footpaths were cleared for pedestrians, while alternative vending spaces were provided to protect the livelihoods of street vendors.

He sought the early completion of the multi-level parking facility near Kittur Channamma Circle and suggested that the old court premises near the Sai Baba Temple be considered for temporary parking, subject to legal and administrative clearances.

He also flagged the non-functioning of lifts and escalators at the old bus stand and the lack of basic amenities at the Sub-Registrar’s Office.

“Merely calling Hubballi the second capital of Karnataka will not ensure its development,” Mr. Munavalli said, stressing the need for a long-term master plan covering roads, public transport, parking, sanitation, and pedestrian infrastructure.

He also welcomed efforts to develop Hubballi airport as an international airport and sought the restoration of air services under the UDAN scheme. Mr. Munavalli urged the State and Union governments, civic authorities, and elected representatives to coordinate their efforts to make Hubballi a business-friendly and liveable city.

Published - August 21, 2026 08:01 pm IST