The ongoing construction of elevated road at Kittur Chennamma Circle in Hubballi is raising concerns among motorists and local residents due to its slow progress. Compounding these worries, Hubballi-Dharwad Centre of the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) has identified several technical issues that could jeopardize the integrity of the project .
On Monday, a team led by ICI chairman Suresh Kireshur conducted an inspection of the construction site. Their findings revealed alarming problems,particularly regarding the treatment of steel used in the project. The ICI noted that steel should not be exposed to rain and wind for more than two months, as prolonged exposure can lead to rusting and a subsequent loss of strength. However, the steel at the Kittur Chennamma Circle site has been left unprotected for over two years,raising serious concerns about the elevated road's stability.
In addition to the material concerns,the ICI team pointed out inadequate safety measures for construction workers. They criticized the lack of proper barricading, which fails to prevent unauthorized access to the site. The netting around the construction area is insufficient, putting pedestrians at risk as they navigate beneath the elevated road.
The ICI has urged local authorities to take immediate action to enhance safety for both workers and the public. Traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement in the area have already been exacerbated by the ongoing construction, which began in 2021 . ICI emphasized the urgency of expediting the project to alleviate the burdens faced by Hubballi residents.
A detailed report outlining these observations will be submitted to key officials,including Nitin Gadkari,the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways,Pralhad Joshi,and D.K. Shivakumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka . The ICI hopes that their findings will prompt swift action to address the issues and complete construction as soon as possible.
