Latest news with #Hubballi-DharwadMunicipalCorporation
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Green signal awaited for led streetlights project
Hubballi: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) continues to await approval for its LED streetlights initiative, even after four months of delay. The project aims at converting all existing streetlights to LED fixtures. Despite completing necessary procedures and selecting a contractor for the Rs 93-crore project to replace 75,000 streetlights through a PPP model, progress remains hindered. Although the file was forwarded from Directorate of Municipal Administration to the urban development department in March for final approval, it has not received clearance. The project of installing LEDs was a project under Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL), which planned to replace 58,000 streetlights with LEDs. From 2018 to 2022, the HDSCL called for tenders for seven times, but as no one participated, the HDSCL handed over the project to the HDMC. The HDMC has completed all necessary technical evaluations and financial assessments for this energy-efficient lighting initiative. Under the planned implementation, the selected private partner would be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and replacement of faulty lights for seven years. The contractor would also establish a centralised control room to monitor the functioning of these LED lights. Local councillors have expressed concern about the delay, noting that better street lighting is crucial for public safety and improved urban infrastructure. The municipal corporation expects that once approved, the installation work could be completed within eight months. The new LED system would cover all major roads, residential areas, and public spaces in both cities. According to the sources, among the two agencies that participated in the tender, the one with prior experience of implementing LED streetlight projects in Tumakuru and Shivamogga is likely to be selected for the new initiative. SM Ganachari, executive engineer, electricity department in HDMC, said they are actively pursuing the matter with higher authorities and expect to get clearance in a couple of weeks. The deputy mayor of Hubballi-Dharwad, Santosh Chavan, expressed concern over the delayed implementation of the LED streetlights project under the Public-Private Partnership model. He urged the govt to expedite the approval and grant necessary clearances without further delay.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Concrete road riddled with potholes; commuters suffer
Pic: A pothole on the CC road between Kamaripeth and Unkal Cross in Hubballi Hubballi: The cement concrete road between Kamaripeth and Unkal Cross (Hosur-Unkal Bypass) has developed severe potholes, making commuting a daily challenge. The 4km stretch, built in 2019 under the National Highway project with Central Reserve Fund (CRF), covers key locations like the Hubballi Court, hospitals, govt offices, and the Hosur bus terminal. Despite its importance, no action has been taken by local officials or the elected representatives who use this road regularly. The road was completely deteriorated until 2015. Later, a CC road was planned, and work started in 2017 at the cost of Rs 30 crore under the National Highway project. The road was dug for the development of the UGD line by Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) and was left incomplete. The lack of a footpath on this road is a hurdle for pedestrians. Although a cement concrete (CC) road was developed, a footpath was not constructed. Installation of pavers on both sides of the road was not done. Due to this, pedestrians face hardships while walking on this road. During rainfall, rainwater flows along the sides of the road, making it difficult for pedestrians to find a safe place to step forward. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jersey City: Here's The Average Price of a 6-Hour Gutter Upgrade Read More Undo The authorities failed to complete the road work. Due to the lack of coordination between the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the road remains incomplete. Santosh Yaragatti, a motorist from Hubballi, said that potholes formed on the road put motorists in danger. The road in front of Hubballi Court, Hosur Circle, and Sirur Park Circle is damaged and is peppered with potholes that are waterlogged. He urged that the authorities should fill up all potholes soon. Ramesh Guled, another motorist, said that the road from Hosur to Sirur park deteriorated. There are many big potholes on the road. It is a major road in the city, and traffic movement is constant. It should be developed as a model of Tendersure road in Sirur Park. Installation of pavers was not done. He urged that the authorities concerned should take up the repair work soon. Ramesh H, assistant engineer, NHAI, said the contractor who was supposed to install the pavers did not take up the work. "Despite this, the road was handed over to HDMC," he said. HDMC's executive engineer Vittal Tubake said that they have corresponded with NHAI many times, seeking the installation of pavers and completion of the road work. The road will be maintained after being handed over to the HDMC, he said.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Heavy rainfall damages 4,500 sqm of roads in twin cities
Pic: Kotilinga Nagar Road in Hubballi is damaged and has potholes caused by the rainfall Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) identified 4,500 square metres of damaged roads caused by the heavy rainfall in May and June. Areas like Akshay Park, Dollars Colony, and Old Hubballi were among the worst hit. The HDMC estimated repairs to cost around Rs 3 crore and invited tenders through zonal offices. A work order will be issued after the monsoon. The recent rainfall in the cities damaged the roads and formed potholes, causing inconvenience to motorists. Due to these potholes, traffic movement is delayed. Two-wheeler riders face many hurdles and lose control while riding on such roads in heavy traffic. The situation has not changed for a while now and HDMC has not taken any action to fill up these potholes. In Hubballi, Moorusavira Mutt Road, New Court Road, Vishweshwar Nagar, Akshay Park, Ayodhya Nagar, Old Hubballi Circle to Indi Pump, Durga Hotel to govt school, roads in Ward No 77, Karnataka Circle, Navanagar, and other roads are affected. In Dharwad, Jayanagar, CBT, Hosayallapur, Myadar Oni, and other areas are also affected. M M Hosur, a resident of Old Hubballi, said that most of the roads are damaged due to the recent rains. There are many potholes on roads in Old Hubballi. Every year, the HDMC sticks to repair work. Cement concrete roads should be constructed for the convenience of motorists and the public. The officials have no proper planning when it comes to constructing the roads. They dig the road for UGD and water pipelines. Once the work is over, these holes are not properly filled, causing inconvenience to motorists. Rohan Matti, a motorist from Hubballi, said that the smart road in Hubballi was damaged. The CC road in Kotilinga Nagar was damaged and construction is incomplete. Motorists are finding it difficult to move along the road. He urged that pothole filling should be carried out soon. Vijaykumar R, superintendent engineer at HDMC, said that approximately 4,500 sq metres of road were damaged. "Around Rs 3 crore was estimated, and tenders were called for the work. Soon after the rain stops, the repair work on the roads will start," he said.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hubballi-Dharwad municipal corporation employees protest enters second day
HUBBALLI: The protest by Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation employees entered its second day on Tuesday. Officers and staff protested by curtailing services at both offices in Hubballi and Dharwad, including the zonal offices. The public, who came to the HDMC offices and did not receive any services, were disappointed. The employees' protest intensified as they did not receive any response to their protest held in Bengaluru. They launched the protest for a second day by closing office operations. Around 1,700 staff curtailed their duties, demanding the govt fulfil various demands. Association President, Prasad Perur, addressed the protest, stating that they were deprived of many facilities from the govt, including the 7th pay scale, health benefits, and the Jyoti/Arogya Sanjeevini scheme implemented for Karnataka State Government employees. They also demanded the organisation of a sports event similar to those for govt employees and promotion cadre-wise posts. The govt should fulfil all demands. Mayor Jyoti Patil visited the protest site and convinced them to call off the protest. Addressing the protesters, Patil said that she supported the protest and would write a letter to the govt soon to draw its attention. If possible, they would go to Bengaluru with officials and appeal to the govt to fulfil the demands. Patil urged employees to stop the protest and report for duty from Thursday. Deputy Mayor Santosh Chavan and municipal employees were present on this occasion. A public who wanted to correct his birth certificate was wandering at HDMC Hubballi but was not able to avail of the service because of the employees' protest.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aadhaar-based biometric and facial recognition attendance system launched for pourakarmikas in Hubballi-Dharwad
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched a new Aadhaar-based biometric and facial recognition attendance system to boost the performance of pourakarmikas. The corporation introduced this system to enhance the efficiency of over 2,500 pourakarmikas and auto tipper drivers working across 82 wards, while improving the cleanliness standards of the city. The attendance system incorporates both biometric and facial recognition capabilities. Henceforth, the officials of HDMC will take attendance thrice a day. Pourakarmikas will give attendance in the morning while reporting to duty at 6am, and then again at 10am and 2pm. The govt of India's Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially sanctioned this advanced system. It ensures precise attendance tracking, timely wage disbursement, and enhanced administrative transparency. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said the system offers several advantages, including accurate attendance monitoring, reduced tardiness, punctual payment of wages to civil servants, elimination of paper-based attendance records, and improved administration with a user-friendly interface featuring Kannada voice guidance. Geo-fencing enables location-based attendance verification. "The corporation aims to enhance civic worker recognition, improve city cleanliness, and strengthen administrative efficiency through this technological advancement," he added. The HDMC's IT department awarded the contract for implementing this biometric and facial recognition system to Swasthi Private Limited, a start-up founded by Vijay Bhajantri and Siddalinga Latti. According to sources, this initiative aligns with the digital governance reforms being implemented across urban local bodies. The system is expected to benefit both the corporation and the workers by establishing transparent work documentation. HDMC plans to gradually expand the system's capabilities to include real-time location tracking and work completion verification. The executive engineer of SWM, Santosh Kumar Yarangali, explained that the system effectively tracks working hours. The technology allows supervisors to efficiently oversee workforce allocation across zones, leading to enhanced accountability and operational efficiency. The new attendance system has been implemented in zones 10 and 11, with zone 12 scheduled for implementation shortly, encompassing a total of 27 wards. He further stated that the biometric and facial recognition attendance system would be extended to all wards within two months. Additionally, he confirmed that 90 attendance points have already been identified and geo-tagged.
