Mangaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a wide-ranging package of projects covering tourism, islands, ports, fisheries, roads, bridges, healthcare, water supply, sports, urban infrastructure and the Blue Economy at its special meeting held in Mangaluru on Friday, September 18.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara briefed the media on the decisions, which include major investments across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada. The approvals include a proposed Rs 6,925-crore multipurpose port at Manki, Rs 400 crore for road development within Mangaluru City Corporation limits, expansion of Wenlock District Hospital and an in-principle feasibility exercise for a Mangaluru Water Metro.

The Cabinet’s decisions also cover tourism projects, fisheries infrastructure, coastal connectivity, education, village libraries and policies aimed at strengthening marine biotechnology and sustainable data-centre development.

12 coastal islands to be developed

The Cabinet approved the development of 12 islands in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada to promote coastal tourism.

The projects will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis, with a proposed lease period of 30 years, including the construction period, subject to statutory approvals.

In Dakshina Kannada, the northern and southern islands of the Gurpur river in Mangaluru taluk will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 125.43 crore. The northern island will have a 30-berth marina spread across 30.42 acres, while the southern island will feature 32 eco-huts across 17.28 acres.

Seven islands in Karwar, Bhatkal and Ankola taluks of Uttara Kannada — Madhyalingad, Devgad, Hog, Mongergudda, Kirikund, Ankane Cheggudu and Kurumgad — will be developed over about 59 acres and 31 guntas at an estimated cost of Rs 307.71 crore.

In Udupi district, eco-tourism facilities will be developed on Ayabba, Daria, Bahaddurgad and Malpe islands over approximately 26.69 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 279.03 crore.

Mangaluru lighthouse and tourism projects

A Rs 60.34-crore tourism and hospitality project will be developed around the Mangaluru Lighthouse over 1.5 acres under the PPP-DBFOT model.

The project will include a 35-room three-star or higher-category facility, while also focusing on conservation of the lighthouse and tourism development.

Four other tourism projects worth a combined Rs 238 crore have also received approval.

These include a Rs 73-crore Riverfront Wellness Resort at Kodikal in Mangaluru on 16.5 acres; a Rs 53-crore eco-friendly beachfront glamping, sea-experience centre and expo zone at Tannirbhavi on 4.97 acres; a Rs 48-crore resort, adventure and entertainment project at Trasi-Maravanthe in Udupi; and a Rs 64-crore eco-resort at Ravoor in Chikkamagaluru.

The Cabinet also approved 10 acres in Badaga Yekkar village of Surathkal hobli for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to construct a Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple and Kalyana Mantapa.

Major port and shipbuilding projects

One of the largest approvals is the proposed development of a 15-MTPA multipurpose port and shipbuilding centre at Manki Port in Uttara Kannada.

The project will be implemented under the PPP model on a DBFOT basis at an estimated cost of Rs 6,925 crore. The government estimates assured revenue of about Rs 2,902.69 crore, a potential Rs 28,000-crore boost to the state’s economy and around 44,800 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The Cabinet also approved a Rs 322-crore Greenfield shipbuilding yard at Gangolli in Kundapur taluk under the PPP-DBFOT model.

In another coastal connectivity initiative, the government approved the appointment of a Transaction Advisor to assess the feasibility and prepare the PPP structure for a coastal passenger ferry service connecting coastal centres.

Karwar Airport runway to be extended

The administrative approval for the Karwar Airport project has been revised, increasing the estimated cost from Rs 98.24 crore to Rs 250.05 crore.

As part of the project, the existing 2,000-metre runway will be extended to 3,250 metres to facilitate the operation of A-320 aircraft.

The revised cost includes land acquisition, rehabilitation of affected persons, approach roads, civil enclave construction and other associated works.

The Cabinet also approved a revision of the Coastal Zone Management Plan 2019 under the CRZ Notification 2019. The revision follows representations from fishermen, tourism stakeholders, landowners, local bodies and district administrations over differences between approved maps and ground realities.

Six major bridge projects approved

Six bridge and connectivity projects in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have received approval.

The Palimar bridge in the Damaskatte-Bulkunje area of Mulki taluk will be reconstructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore.

The remaining connectivity and related works for the Kote Koor-Bolar bridge across the Netravati River will be completed at Rs 50 crore.

A bridge at Kandlur on State Highway 85 in the Tirthahalli-Kundapur section will be constructed at Rs 55 crore, while the Maravoor bridge on the Mangaluru-Athradi State Highway will be developed at Rs 40 crore.

The Kateel bridge on the same highway will be reconstructed at Rs 33 crore, with a proposed width of 16 metres.

A new Rs 26-crore bridge across the Siri River will connect Kamajal in Manila village with Poovanadaka village in Bantwal taluk.

Fisheries infrastructure gets fresh funding

The Cabinet approved Rs 20 crore for maintenance and development of fisheries-link roads in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.

Another Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for fisheries infrastructure, including a jetty at Kotepura in Mangaluru for traditional fishing boats, a berthing basin at Bengre, dredging between the mouth of Mangaluru Fishing Harbour and Kotepura, and installation of navigation buoys in the river channel around the fishing harbour and Kotepura.

A Rs 30-crore modern wholesale fish market will also be developed at Ekkur on three acres of Fisheries College land beside the National Highway.

The project is intended to reduce congestion at the existing Mangaluru Fishing Harbour and provide improved facilities for the wholesale fish trade.

The government has also decided to notify coastal areas of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada as Special Marine Zones to expand fisheries-related economic activity.

Rs 400 crore for Mangaluru roads

Mangaluru’s road infrastructure received one of the major city-specific allocations, with the Cabinet approving a special grant of Rs 400 crore.

The funds will be used to convert damaged roads within Mangaluru City Corporation limits into cement-concrete roads and undertake comprehensive road infrastructure development. The action plan will be finalised under the leadership of the district in-charge minister.

The Cabinet has separately approved Rs 100 crore for rehabilitation of the old underground drainage system in Mangaluru Zone 3 and the Surathkal area under the Asian Development Bank-assisted Karnataka Integrated Urban Water Management and Investment Programme.

Mangaluru Water Metro gets in-principle approval

The Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to examine the technical and financial feasibility of a Mangaluru Water Metro on the Gurpur and Netravati rivers under the PPP model.

The Karnataka Water Transport Board has been authorised to take the necessary steps to advance the proposal.

The proposal is aimed at examining whether a water-based public transport system can be developed as an additional connectivity option for Mangaluru and surrounding areas.

Wenlock Hospital to get 200 additional beds

The Government Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru will receive an expansion in its capacity, with 200 additional beds planned in the first phase along with the required staff and equipment.

The Cabinet has also approved the development of Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru as an international-standard sports facility at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

A further Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for installing a synthetic track at the Udupi District Stadium.

The new Central Prison being developed in Mangaluru will receive Rs 10 crore for construction of its main boundary wall.

Water supply projects for Kaup and Vittal

A Rs 19.06-crore bulk water supply scheme from the Udyavara River to seven villages in Kaup taluk has received approval.

A revised estimate of Rs 62.31 crore has also been approved for a larger water supply project covering Kaup town and adjoining villages.

For Vittal town, the Cabinet approved a Rs 94-crore water supply distribution project, including operation and maintenance for five years.

Education and village infrastructure

The government plans to develop 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools across the state.

Of these, 49 schools in the coastal region — 20 in Dakshina Kannada, 12 in Udupi and 17 in Uttara Kannada — will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 245 crore.

Special powers have also been given to the respective Deputy Commissioners to provide administrative approval for these projects.

For newly established village libraries, the Cabinet approved Rs 57.15 crore for procuring 6,350 computers and UPS systems under the Centre-sponsored Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment.

The Cabinet also approved a Rs 20-crore Sculpture/Artisan Cluster in Karkala taluk under the Government of India’s MSE-CDP scheme. The project cost will be shared by the Union government, state government and the Special Purpose Vehicle.

Marine biotechnology and Blue Economy policy

The Cabinet approved the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31.

Under the policy, a Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy will be established at the Government Fisheries College, while laboratories, a biobank and incubation centres will be established in Udupi.

The policy envisages an estimated investment of Rs 60 crore over five years. This includes Rs 10 crore for marine biotechnology zones, Rs 45 crore in incentives for seaweed value-added production and Rs 5 crore for a pilot Blue Carbon certification programme.

The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026-31, which will support data-centre units, park developers and operators, cable landing stations, submarine cable operators and academic institutions.

Other major decisions

The Cabinet approved the Karnataka Inland Vessels (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeals) Rules, 2026, in line with the decriminalisation provisions under the Jan Vishwas framework.

Directors of Ports will function as adjudicating officers, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka Water Transport Board will serve as the appellate authority.

The government also approved amendments to the Karnataka Forest Department Services Recruitment Rules, 2026, to provide additional representation to specified local forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe communities in direct recruitment to Forest Guard and Forest Watcher posts.

With the terms of Panchayat Raj institutions completed, the government intends to conduct elections by December. The Cabinet approved Rs 151.31 crore for procurement of ballot boxes and live webcasting following amendments permitting the use of ballot boxes instead of EVMs for these elections.

The Cabinet also decided to cancel the existing lease over 356.20 acres at Pilikula Nisargadhama and allot approximately 339.90 acres to the Department of Science and Technology.

Land allotments approved

The Cabinet approved land allotments to several institutions in the coastal region.

These include 7.30 acres in Nitte village of Karkala taluk for St Lawrence Church, Attur; 6.51 acres in Navoor village of Bantwal taluk for Sri Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, Sivagiri Math, for Gurudharma Pracharana Sabha; and 29 cents in Belle village of Kaup taluk for Sri Gurubrahma Muggarkala Temple, Padubelle.

The Karavali Lekhakiyara-Vachakiyara Sangha was also allotted 0.05 acre of land.

Broad coastal development package

The Cabinet decisions collectively cover tourism, transport, fisheries, ports, healthcare, education, urban infrastructure and emerging sectors such as marine biotechnology and the Blue Economy.

The Mangaluru meeting forms part of the state government’s broader coastal and Malnad development programme. The approvals announced after the meeting include immediate infrastructure allocations as well as feasibility studies, policy measures and PPP-based initiatives that will require further statutory and administrative processes.