Mangaluru: The central government has granted administrative approval for a major road infrastructure development package worth ₹57 crore in Dakshina Kannada district under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The project aims to improve rural and urban connectivity across the district through the development and upgradation of key roads spanning nearly 83 kilometres.
Announcing the sanction, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said the approved works would strengthen transportation infrastructure, enhance connectivity between towns and villages, and contribute significantly to the district’s economic growth.
Fourteen major projects approved
According to the MP, a total of 14 major road development projects covering 82.94 km have been approved under the CRIF scheme. The works include the improvement, widening and renovation of state highways and district roads across several taluks, including Mangaluru, Ullal, Moodbidri, Puttur, Bantwal and Beltangady.
The sanctioned projects are expected to address long-pending infrastructure needs and improve travel conditions for commuters, transport operators, students and businesses across the district.
Key road works in Ullal and Mangaluru
In Ullal taluk, the road from Chambugudde to Machali Hotel and the stretch near Infosys on the Katipady-Abbakka Circle road will be upgraded at a cost of ₹4 crore. The works will cover road stretches measuring 2.66 km and 1 km respectively.
Selected portions of the Sajipanadu-Boliyar road will also be improved at a cost of ₹2 crore, covering a distance of 2.88 km. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity in rapidly developing suburban areas and improve access to residential and commercial zones.
Major highway upgrades across the district
Among the largest projects approved is the development of the state highway from Hosangady Puchamogaru Bridge in Moodbidri to the Beltangady-Bantwal Cross. The project, covering 8.90 km, has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹6 crore.
The Surathkal-Kabaka state highway will also undergo significant improvements. Road development works from Bajpe to Kaikamba and from Polali Gate to Addoor Bridge will be undertaken at a cost of ₹6 crore, covering a total distance of 10.50 km.
Similarly, the Punjalakatte-Moorje-Kudkoli state highway from Pangalpady to Kudkoli will be upgraded over a stretch of 10.07 km with an allocation of ₹6 crore.
The Uppinangady-Periyadka-Koyla road section will receive ₹2 crore for improvements covering 3 km, while the Hantyaru-Bettampady road will be developed at a cost of ₹3 crore over 4.50 km. The Kepulu-Padil road has also been included in the package with a sanction of ₹1 crore for development works along a 0.65 km stretch.
Development of strategic connectivity corridors
The government has also approved ₹6 crore for the development of selected stretches of the Subrahmanya-Manjeshwar state highway. The project will cover approximately 10.10 km and is expected to benefit commuters travelling between interior regions and neighbouring areas.
Another important project involves the upgradation of the Venur-Andinje-Naravi district main road. The 10 km stretch will be developed at a cost of ₹6 crore, improving connectivity for residents and facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services.
Road widening and renovation projects
Several roads have also been identified for widening and renovation. The Beltangady-Moodbidri-Mulki state highway from Excellent College to the Moodbidri Police Station Road will be renovated at a cost of ₹5 crore, covering a distance of 5 km.
The road connecting National Highway-275 and State Highway-276 from Somantadka to Hedaya will be developed at a cost of ₹5 crore over a stretch of 5.50 km.
In Bantwal taluk, the Ananthadi-Mangilapadavu-Kodapadavu district main road will be widened and upgraded over a distance of 3 km at a cost of ₹5 crore. The project is expected to ease traffic movement and improve road safety for local residents.
Boost to economy and connectivity
Capt Brijesh Chowta said the road development package would significantly improve transportation infrastructure across Dakshina Kannada and support the district’s long-term development goals. Better roads are expected to reduce travel time, facilitate trade and commerce, and improve access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities and tourist destinations.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for approving the funds.
Conclusion
The ₹57-crore allocation under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund marks a significant investment in Dakshina Kannada’s transport network. With 14 projects covering nearly 83 km of roads, the initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, support economic activity and contribute to the overall development of the district once completed.
