NH-748 (4A) widening resumes between Ramnagar & Londa | Belgaum-Goa Highway

NH-748 project kickstarts again after being struck by Environment Activists through their multiple PILs which they took to the Courts for Stays.

The upgradation of NH-748 to Four Lane was sanctioned years ago in 2019. The work started in mid-2019 and was going smoothly until it was met with numerous hurdles. The Environment Activists led by Suresh Hebilkar claimed that 1 Lakh Trees were being Axed by NHAI, and NHAI counterpart claimed 22K. We as neutral observers never saw or got authentic data claiming the deforestation of 1Lakh Trees ever.
The NH-748’s stretch between Belagavi and Khanapur stands completed and has been beautifully constructed. One as a commuter should apprehend how this broadening of the road reduces the time of travel.
The present contractor is Yeshyeshvi Infrastructure of Muddebihal. The Old Contractor was Dilip Buildcon who had to leave the project as the project got multiple pauses thus leading to cost escalation and the ex-contractor sitting idle. Later the 2 years of the Corona Lockdown too were a nail in the coffin. This had only made matters worse for commuters, who already had a terrible time moving down this section. Vehicle breakdowns and accidents happened frequently.
Villagers and commuters have expressed satisfaction as the work has resumed, expecting that it will continue till it is finished.

In March 2021, the High Court allowed the widening of NH-748, stating that NHAI doesn’t need the mandate to get a prior clearance for widening the stretch from Belagavi to Goa Border.

Now, Londa to Ramnagar stretch starts. Our team found out on the spot that various machinery and equipment have been brought up for widening.