85-year-old Hubballi bridge faces demolition for road widening

Hubballi: The 1941 bridge over a nala linking Old Hubballi and New Hubballi may soon be replaced as part of a road-widening project.

Built during the Hubli Borough period, the bridge was widened on both sides by 7.5ft in 1941 and has since served as a vital link between the two parts of the city. For decades, it has been used daily by traders, commuters and public transport, becoming integral to Hubballi’s growth.

Before the bridge was built, residents of Old Hubballi, then known as Hubli, found it difficult to reach commercial areas in New Hubballi, such as Saraf Katta and Durgadbail. With no proper crossing over the nala, traders and shopkeepers had to walk long distances. Though water flowed through the nala mainly during heavy rains due to Unkal Lake overflow, the lack of a bridge made movement slow and inconvenient.

According to the inauguration stone, the bridge was constructed in 1941 under Hubli Borough administrator Rao Saheb PL Benni.

Former mayor Pandurang Patil told TOI the bridge brought a major transformation. Once operational, both pedestrians and vehicles began using it, greatly improving connectivity between Old and New Hubballi. He said it was the first such link and strengthened ties between the areas.

Despite its age and narrow width, the bridge continues to carry hundreds of vehicles daily, including buses. However, rising traffic and infrastructure needs have prompted plans to widen the 1.4km stretch from New English School Circle to Old Hubballi Durgadbail. The existing 12-metre road is proposed to be expanded to 18 metres.

Sources in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) said the old bridge is likely to be replaced under the project, potentially ending the service of a structure that has stood for over eight decades.

Superintending engineer R Vijay Kumar said land acquisition for widening would require around Rs 9.3 crore in compensation, apart from construction costs, and plans are being prepared.

Former minister AM Hindasgeri, 87, said the bridge played a key role in developing New Hubballi and should be preserved during widening.

HDMC ward 71 corporator Najeer Honyal said widening is necessary due to heavy traffic and pedestrian movement, but urged authorities to retain and strengthen the bridge instead of demolishing it while expanding the road alongside.