Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has pledged to revive the stalled project for a dedicated jetty at the Old Port in Mangaluru under the Sagarmala scheme. The jetty, intended to enhance cargo and cruise connectivity with Lakshadweep, has been categorized as “deemed deferred” under Sagarmala funding guidelines. Chowta criticized the Karnataka state government for its lack of initiative in resolving Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) issues, which hinder project progress.
Chowta accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of neglecting Centre-backed schemes, citing the failure to sign an MoA for PM Awas Yojana-2 and delays in National Highway projects due to land acquisition bottlenecks. He also targeted Congress MPs for disrupting parliament proceedings during the winter session.
The MP highlighted other priorities, including the inclusion of Mangaluru Central and Junction Railway Stations under South Western Railway (SWR). Chowta emphasized the need for Karnataka to exit the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to facilitate its merger with Indian Railways.
On Mangaluru-Bengaluru road connectivity, he revealed that a detailed project report (DPR) is underway, with clearances from environmental authorities as the next step. Chowta also advocated for establishing a Coast Guard Academy on 150 acres of identified land and sought approval for premier banking institutions in the region.
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