Coastal Karnataka Gets Major Road Infrastructure Push
In a significant development for coastal Karnataka's transportation network, authorities have granted approval for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for three crucial road projects. The approved projects include the Mangaluru Bypass, the Surathkal-BC Road upgradation, and service roads along National Highway-66 from Talapady to Kundapur.
MP's Persistent Efforts Yield Results
Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta confirmed this important milestone. He has consistently pursued these long-pending infrastructure demands since taking office. These projects form the primary entry point to Mangaluru and serve as a vital port-access route handling heavy commuter, freight, and industrial traffic daily.
Captain Chowta explained the significance of these approvals: "This marks a crucial transition from prolonged pendency to structured planning. While this approval specifically covers DPR preparation, it establishes the necessary technical and administrative foundation for subsequent decisions regarding project approval and execution."
Sustained Follow-up Leads to Progress
The MP's efforts included multiple institutional follow-ups over several months:
- During the Monsoon Session of Parliament in June 2024, he met with Vinay Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He pressed for service roads on NH-66 between BC Road and Surathkal, highlighting daily commuter hardships and congestion from port-bound traffic.
- On September 13, 2024, he raised the Mangaluru Bypass issue at the DISHA Committee meeting. He urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take concrete action by preparing formal proposals.
- In October 2024, he sent a formal letter to regional NHAI officers addressing these infrastructure concerns.
What the DPRs Will Examine
As a direct result of these sustained efforts, consultants have received formal authorization to commence DPR preparation. Notices to Proceed have been issued, setting the process in motion.
The Detailed Project Reports will thoroughly examine multiple aspects of the proposed infrastructure improvements:
- Alignment options for optimal routing
- Service road requirements and placement
- Grade-separated junctions to improve traffic flow
- Capacity augmentation measures
- Safety improvements for all road users
- Long-term congestion-mitigation strategies along the NH-66 corridor
This comprehensive examination will ensure that the final projects address both current transportation challenges and future growth needs in coastal Karnataka.
The approval represents more than just paperwork—it signifies tangible progress toward solving persistent traffic problems that have plagued the region for years. Residents and businesses along these routes can now look forward to structured planning that may eventually lead to smoother commutes and improved economic connectivity.
