Bantwal: The Central government has sanctioned a special grant of Rs 49.22 crore for emergency repair works on the Mani–Sampaje stretch of National Highway 275 (NH-275), a crucial road connecting Dakshina Kannada with Karnataka’s interior regions. The announcement comes as efforts continue to improve one of the state’s key transport corridors, with the proposed four-laning and upgradation project also gathering momentum.

The development follows a meeting between Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta and B Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in New Delhi on Tuesday. During the meeting, the MP urged the ministry to expedite administrative approvals for the long-pending four-laning and upgradation of the highway while also reviewing several major infrastructure projects concerning Dakshina Kannada.

MP seeks faster approval for four-laning project

During the discussions, Chowta stressed the importance of strengthening road infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada to improve connectivity between the coastal belt and the state’s interior regions.

He urged the ministry to grant alignment approval and administrative clearance at the earliest for the proposed four-laning and upgradation of the Mani–Sampaje section of NH-275, describing the project as vital for road safety, seamless traffic flow and regional economic development.

According to the MP, upgrading the highway will not only reduce travel time but also improve freight movement and enhance connectivity for commuters travelling between Mangaluru and various parts of Karnataka.

He also emphasised the need to complete the project within a stipulated timeframe so that the benefits of improved infrastructure can reach the public without further delay.

Rs 49.22 crore sanctioned for emergency repairs

A major outcome of the meeting was the sanction of Rs 49.22 crore by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model for emergency repair works on the 71.60-km Mani–Sampaje stretch of NH-275.

The sanctioned works are expected to include:

  • Laying a 40-mm thick bituminous layer across the entire highway stretch.
  • Maintenance and strengthening of road shoulders.
  • Installation of traffic signboards.
  • Fresh road markings.
  • Other essential road safety and development works to improve vehicular movement.

The repair works are aimed at restoring the highway’s condition and ensuring safer and smoother travel for motorists using the busy corridor.

Tender process to begin after financial approval

Chowta said the tender process for the repair works would commence as soon as the ministry grants financial approval and clears the tender documents.

He added that the comprehensive four-laning project with paved shoulders has already been included in the 2026–27 Annual Plan.

According to him, the project is presently at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation stage, while approval for the road alignment is expected shortly.

Progress on Mangaluru–Bengaluru Expressway

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the proposed Mangaluru–Bengaluru Expressway, another major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between the coastal city and the state capital.

Chowta welcomed the approval granted by the Alignment Approval Committee for the new alignment of the Shiradi Ghat section, which forms a critical part of the proposed expressway.

He noted that the project has entered the DPR preparation stage, while environmental, forest and wildlife clearances are also being processed simultaneously.

The MP said the expressway is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency between Mangaluru and Bengaluru and support economic growth across the region once completed.

Connectivity key to regional development

Speaking after the meeting, Chowta said that world-class connectivity is essential if more people are to return to their native places and contribute to the district’s growth.

He stated that improved road infrastructure would attract investments, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s economy by making Dakshina Kannada a more attractive destination for businesses and residents.

The MP reiterated that enhancing connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru remains among his highest priorities and assured that he would continue to closely pursue the matter with the concerned Union ministries to ensure the timely implementation of both the NH-275 upgradation and the Mangaluru–Bengaluru Expressway projects.

With the sanction of Rs 49.22 crore for immediate repairs and progress on the proposed four-laning project, the Mani–Sampaje stretch of NH-275 is expected to witness significant infrastructure improvements in the coming months, bringing relief to thousands of commuters and transport operators who rely on the highway every day.