Mangaluru: The Union government has approved a major infrastructure project worth ₹414.16 crore that includes the construction of an elevated flyover and service roads along National Highway 66 between Baikampady and KIOCL Junction. The development was announced by Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta, who stated that the project is expected to improve port connectivity, ease traffic congestion and strengthen industrial growth in the region.
The sanctioned project aims to improve direct connectivity to the New Mangalore Port and address increasing traffic demands along one of the region’s key transport corridors.
Elevated flyover and service roads planned
According to details shared by Capt. Chowta, the project includes the development of a 3.075-km-long main road corridor connecting the Baikampady industrial region and KIOCL Junction.
As part of the proposal, a 1.520-km-long six-lane elevated flyover will be constructed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. Authorities believe the elevated structure will help segregate highway traffic from local vehicular movement and reduce congestion along the busy route.
In addition to the flyover, service roads with a total length of 5.825 km will be developed on both sides of the highway to facilitate smoother movement of local traffic.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) will provide the required additional land and financial support for the implementation of the project.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already initiated the tendering process for the proposed work.
Key boost for port connectivity
Capt. Chowta stated that the NH-66 stretch in the port region serves as an important transport route for export and import cargo movement to and from the New Mangalore Port.
The MP said the proposed project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement by separating long-distance highway traffic from local vehicles using the road network in industrial and residential areas.
Officials believe this could also improve road safety in the region by reducing bottlenecks and traffic conflicts that frequently occur due to heavy cargo movement.
The road infrastructure improvement is expected to benefit the Baikampady industrial area and KIOCL region, which witness substantial transportation activity linked to industries and port operations.
Challenges in earlier project implementation
Capt. Chowta explained that development work along the port-area road stretch had faced delays and technical challenges in the past.
According to him, the road stretch within the port limits had earlier come under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Logistics Management Limited. The lack of a dedicated implementation agency and funding-related challenges reportedly affected progress on highway development works in the area.
He said sustained efforts were undertaken to address these issues and facilitate the transfer of the road stretch within port limits to NHAI.
The MP also pointed out that approval had already been granted for underpasses near Baikampady and Kuloor Junction on NH-66 at a cost of ₹11.63 crore and related work was currently progressing.
Infrastructure expected to support economic growth
Capt. Chowta stated that the project would not only improve cargo movement but also contribute to industrial and economic development in Dakshina Kannada.
He said improved road infrastructure in the region would strengthen overall connectivity across the coastal belt while also meeting future traffic demands.
The MP further noted that the long-pending infrastructure initiative forms part of broader efforts aimed at promoting port-led development in the district.
Expressing gratitude for the project approval, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning the proposal.
The approval of the elevated flyover and service road project is expected to become a significant infrastructure milestone for Dakshina Kannada, particularly in improving transport efficiency and supporting long-term regional growth.