Mangaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Mangaluru on September 18 is expected to focus on infrastructure development, fisheries, tourism and industrial growth in the coastal region, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U T Khader said.

Ahead of the Cabinet meeting, Khader held discussions with representatives of industrial organisations, fishing communities, tourism businesses and senior officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mangaluru. The meeting reviewed several proposals that could receive attention during the state Cabinet’s coastal sitting.

Road infrastructure to get priority

Road connectivity and broader infrastructure development are among the key issues expected to receive attention at the Cabinet meeting.

Khader said the government would give priority to improving infrastructure in coastal districts. A proposal worth ₹28 crore has already been submitted for road development in the Baikampady industrial area.

The industrial sector has also raised concerns over the shortage of land for expansion. Khader said the government would examine the development of new industrial areas to address the demand for land and facilitate further industrial investment in the district.

Officials were also asked to prepare a proposal for a hostel near Baikampady to accommodate apprentices undergoing training in the industrial area.

The move is aimed at addressing accommodation-related difficulties faced by apprentices and could support the industrial ecosystem around Baikampady.

Fisheries sector seeks new jetties

Fisheries infrastructure is another major issue expected to feature prominently in the discussions.

Representatives of the fishing community highlighted the shortage of berthing space at the Old Mangaluru Port. According to the proposals discussed during the meeting, the congestion makes it difficult for smaller boats to operate alongside larger fishing vessels.

Fishing leaders Chetan and Mohan Bengre sought the establishment of fishing jetties at Kasaba Bengre, Hosabettu, Thannirbavi and Kotepura.

They also called for river dredging work to be taken up on priority to improve navigation and address difficulties faced by fishing boats.

The proposals come at a time when the Old Mangaluru Port and surrounding coastal infrastructure are also seeing renewed development attention. Recent environmental and CRZ clearances have been granted for the Gurupura waterway and infrastructure projects at the Old Mangaluru Port.

Tourism infrastructure plans discussed

Tourism development is another major focus ahead of the Cabinet meeting.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V said discussions were underway with the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) on the possible use of around 150 acres of land within NMPA limits for tourism infrastructure.

The proposal could open up additional opportunities for tourism-related development in and around Mangaluru, particularly given the city’s coastal location and connectivity through road, rail, air and sea routes.

Other proposals submitted to the government include the development of the old Deputy Commissioner’s office, an elephant camp, changes to Coastal Regulation Zone rules and coastal road development.

Karnataka has already identified coastal tourism as an important area for economic growth. The state’s tourism roadmap includes infrastructure development along the 320-km coastline and aims to attract investment to the coastal districts.

Thokkottu-Mudipu-Melkar corridor proposed

Khader has also asked officials to prepare a proposal to develop the Thokkottu-Mudipu-Melkar road as a broader corridor connecting education, healthcare, religious tourism and IT activities.

The proposed corridor is intended to improve connectivity towards Bengaluru and Kerala while supporting development along the route.

Such a corridor could potentially link important institutions and economic activity centres while improving access to the coastal region.

However, the proposal will require detailed planning and assessment before implementation, including decisions on road infrastructure, land requirements and connectivity with existing highways.

Industrial development remains a key concern

Industrial representatives have repeatedly highlighted the shortage of suitable land as a challenge for further development in Dakshina Kannada.

The government’s proposal to examine new industrial areas is therefore expected to be closely watched by local industries.

Baikampady remains one of the district’s important industrial clusters, and the proposed ₹28-crore road development project could improve access and movement within the area.

The proposal for an apprentice hostel is also aimed at strengthening the availability of skilled manpower for industries operating in the region.

Cabinet meeting to consider coastal priorities

The September 18 Cabinet meeting will be held at the Praja Soudha in Mangaluru. Khader had earlier inspected the venue ahead of the meeting to review arrangements.

Several groups have already approached the government with their demands ahead of the Cabinet sitting. The Koraga community, for instance, recently submitted a memorandum seeking action on land and employment issues.

The meeting is therefore expected to become an important platform for considering development priorities specific to coastal Karnataka.

For Dakshina Kannada, the focus is likely to extend beyond individual projects to broader issues such as road connectivity, industrial land, fisheries infrastructure, tourism development and coastal regulations.

With the government already examining several proposals, the Cabinet meeting could determine which projects and policy measures move forward and which require further study.

The outcome will be closely watched by industry groups, fishermen, tourism stakeholders and residents who have been seeking improved infrastructure and greater investment in the coastal region.