Labour Shortage Grips Coastal Karnataka Construction Sector
The construction industry in coastal Karnataka is grappling with a severe labour shortage, triggered by a combination of LPG scarcity and the West Bengal assembly elections. Industry representatives report that large numbers of migrant workers have left Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts during what is typically the peak building season, disrupting ongoing projects and potentially delaying completions.
Dual Factors Driving Worker Exodus
Developers and contractors estimate that a significant share of migrant labourers, particularly those from West Bengal, have already returned to their home state. The timing coincides with the April 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, with many workers expected to remain home until results are announced. Simultaneously, an LPG shortage has worsened living conditions at construction sites that depend on commercial gas for mass cooking.
Naveen Cardoza, managing director of Marian Projects Private Limited, confirmed the severe impact on worksites. "Half of our workforce from West Bengal has left the work site due to polls and others have left as they are unable to manage cooking without availability of LPG. They may return to work only after May or June," Cardoza stated.
Compounding Challenges for Construction Industry
The labour crunch compounds existing pressures from rising input costs, including increased prices for laterite and sand. CREDAI Mangaluru president Vinod Pinto explained that the LPG shortage has created difficult conditions at sites, while extreme summer heat has affected outdoor work, prompting some sites to adjust working hours.
Rohan Monteiro, managing director of Rohan Corporation, highlighted the broader challenges: "The labour crunch is another blow to the construction industry in coastal district which is already hit by increase in laterite and sand prices. Those workers are also finding it difficult due to LPG as well as rise in prices of essentials while salaries have remained same."
Seasonal Timing and Democratic Considerations
A realtor noted that while some workers left for Ramadan and returned later, those who travelled for election-related reasons have yet to return. This timing is particularly problematic as summer is traditionally the busiest construction period, when developers aim to complete major work before the monsoon season arrives.
Another developer emphasized that employers cannot prevent workers from exercising their democratic rights. "Employers could not stop workers from going home to vote, calling it a fundamental democratic right," the developer stated, acknowledging the legitimate political participation of migrant labourers.
Living Cost Increases and Alternative Departures
Contractors report that the LPG shortage has sharply raised living costs at worksites, creating additional hardship for remaining workers. Civil contractor Elran D'Souza revealed that some migrants from North India have also departed because they were unable to cook with firewood in the absence of LPG, demonstrating how the fuel shortage affects diverse worker groups.
The combined impact of political participation, fuel scarcity, and seasonal factors has created a perfect storm for coastal Karnataka's construction sector, with industry leaders anxiously awaiting the return of migrant workers in the coming months.
