In a major announcement honoring Karnataka’s historical legacy, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared that the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) will be officially renamed as the Kittur Rani Chennamma Road Transport Corporation (Kittur Rani Chennamma Raste Sarige Samsthe).
Speaking on Sunday at the grand Kitturu Utsava stage, the Chief Minister stated that public power is not merely meant to govern, but to serve people and commemorate iconic figures of freedom and courage.
Renaming of NWKRTC
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar expressed his desire to leave a lasting contribution for the Kittur region.
“We have the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation operating across this region. The power we hold is not just to rule; it is a sacred opportunity to serve and remember. Therefore, the government has decided that in the coming days, the North West Road Transport Corporation will be formally named after Kittur Rani Chennamma.”
The Chief Minister noted that naming the state transport utility after the 19th-century warrior queen who led an armed rebellion against British colonial rule is a tribute to her eternal sacrifice and spirit of independence.
₹40 Crore for Kittur Freedom Park
Responding directly to appeals submitted by local legislators, Shivakumar committed substantial developmental funding for the town’s heritage infrastructure:
- Immediate Government Order: The Chief Minister stated that orders for constructing the Chennamma Freedom Park at the historic Kittur Fort precinct would be issued immediately, with ₹40 crore set aside in the upcoming state budget.
- Responsive Governance: “When our local legislators requested the project, I asked them how much funding it would require. They submitted a request for ₹40 crore. I assure you that we will issue the government order right away and include this allocation in the next budget,” he said.
Push for Irrigation and Local Livelihoods
Reflecting on his past tenure as the state’s Water Resources Minister, Shivakumar recalled the persistent demands of local representatives to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods. He noted that community leaders and legislators had approached him with a single priority: ensuring sustainable water solutions to keep regional farming alive.
Shivakumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expediting key lift-irrigation works in the region—including the Sri Channavrishabhendra Lift Irrigation Project—underscoring that regional development, agricultural empowerment, and honoring Kittur’s historic pride remain foremost priorities for the administration.
