Mangaluru: In a significant boost to infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 64 crore for multiple highway improvement projects, including maintenance and upgradation of the BC Road–Punjalakatte stretch on National Highway 73.
Announcing the allocation, Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Brijesh Chowta stated that the National Highways Authority of India has approved Rs 34.53 crore for maintenance of the nearly 20-km stretch between BC Road and Punjalakatte.
Focus on BC Road junction and widening works
A key component of the project is the long-pending widening of roads around BC Road junction. An amount of Rs 22.59 crore has been sanctioned to upgrade the stretch from BC Road junction towards Bantwal, up to Sri Narayana Guru Mandir, into a four-lane highway.
This section has been a bottleneck for traffic for several years, with increasing vehicular movement leading to congestion and delays. The proposed four-laning is expected to ease traffic flow and improve commuting efficiency in the region.
Additionally, Rs 6.92 crore has been earmarked for maintenance works at key points, including the busy BC Road junction and the crucial Charmadi Ghat stretch of NH-73, which is an important link between coastal Karnataka and the hinterland.
Boost to connectivity and economic activity
Highlighting the importance of these developments, Chowta said the projects would significantly enhance transportation and contribute to economic growth in Dakshina Kannada. He noted that improved road infrastructure would facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers, thereby supporting trade and regional development.
“The development of these key highways will give a fresh impetus to smooth transportation and economic growth in our region. It is a major step towards building a developed Dakshina Kannada,” he said.
Progress on other highway projects
The MP also pointed to ongoing infrastructure works in the district, including the upgradation of the Ujire–Dharmasthala–Periyashanthi highway. The project, being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 613.665 crore, aims to convert the stretch into a two-lane road and is progressing steadily.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for their continued support and funding for infrastructure development in the region.
Work to begin soon
With the latest sanctions in place, work on the BC Road–Punjalakatte stretch and the four-laning project near BC Road junction is expected to commence shortly. Authorities believe that these initiatives will strengthen the national highway network in Dakshina Kannada and improve overall connectivity.
Conclusion
The Rs 64 crore allocation marks a crucial step in addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in the district. As projects move towards implementation, residents and commuters can expect improved road conditions, reduced travel time and enhanced economic opportunities. The developments signal a broader push towards modernising transport infrastructure in coastal Karnataka.