The transformation of National Highway-48 between Belagavi and the Karnataka–Maharashtra border is rapidly taking shape, with the ambitious six-laning project nearing completion across several stretches.
Once fully operational, the upgraded Belagavi–Kolhapur corridor is expected to deliver a world-class highway experience, significantly enhancing connectivity, safety, and travel efficiency between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The project forms part of the strategic Bengaluru–Pune corridor of NH-48, one of India’s busiest national highways and a crucial segment of the Golden Quadrilateral network. In Belagavi district, the highway widening has been undertaken in two major packages covering the Belagavi–Sankeshwar and Sankeshwar–Maharashtra border sections.
Several stretches between Belagavi, Sankeshwar, and Nippani have already been opened to traffic, allowing commuters to experience smoother travel on the newly widened six-lane roadway. The remaining works towards the Karnataka–Maharashtra border are progressing steadily and are expected to further improve traffic movement on this vital interstate corridor.
A major highlight of the project is the construction of a modern Trumpet Interchange near the Hattargi Toll Plaza. Designed to facilitate seamless traffic flow between NH-48 and connecting regional roads, the interchange will eliminate congestion points and enable safer entry and exit movements without disrupting through traffic. The infrastructure is expected to benefit commuters, industries, and agricultural transport across Hattargi, Hukkeri, Sankeshwar, and surrounding regions.
Apart from six-laning, the project includes the development of service roads, flyovers, underpasses, bridges, drainage systems, and advanced road safety features. These improvements are aimed at accommodating increasing traffic volumes while ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
Project Details:
Package I: Belagavi to Sankeshwar Bypass
This section covers a 40.01 km stretch starting from the north of Belagavi (Km 515.000) up to the Sankeshwar Bypass (Km 555.017).
- Start Date (Appointed Date): October 25, 2022
- Original Deadline: April 23, 2025
- Revised Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Now Completed)
Package II: Sankeshwar Bypass to Maharashtra–Karnataka Border
This section covers a 37.83 km stretch connecting the Sankeshwar Bypass (Km 555.017) to the border near Kagal (Km 592.853).
- Start Date (Appointed Date): October 25, 2022
- Original Deadline: April 23, 2025
- Revised Deadline: October 31, 2026
Project Breakdown
| Project Section (NH 48) | Length | Sanctioned Cost | Current Status | Revised Completion Target |
| Package I (Belagavi to Sankeshwar) | 40.01 km | ₹1,479 Crore | Over 98% physically complete; finishing stages. | March 31, 2026 |
| Package II (Sankeshwar to MH Border) | 37.83 km | ₹1,388 Crore | Around 78% physically complete; work ongoing. | October 31, 2026 |
The upgraded corridor is expected to provide a major boost to trade, logistics, tourism, and industrial growth by reducing travel time and improving connectivity between key economic centres. It will also complement other major infrastructure projects planned for the region, including the proposed Belagavi Ring Road and various Bharatmala highway initiatives.
Once completed, the Belagavi–Kolhapur section of NH-48 will not only strengthen interstate connectivity but also offer commuters, tourists, and freight operators a truly world-class driving experience, reinforcing the corridor’s importance as a gateway between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
