Port Connectivity Gets a Boost: Major Highway Upgrades in Dakshina Kannada
A long-standing infrastructure challenge in Dakshina Kannada is finally seeing progress as bids have been invited for the upkeep and management of crucial highway stretches under the New Mangalore Port Road Company Limited (NMPRCL). This step is set to strengthen access to New Mangalore Port, stated the district’s MP, Capt Brijesh Chowta.
The MP emphasized that enhancing connectivity to the port has been his priority since his first term in Parliament. Through official letters and discussions with Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, he consistently pushed for urgent improvements along the NH-66 corridor between BC Road and Surathkal. Key concerns included deteriorating roads, accident-prone areas, inadequate drainage, and other critical safety issues.
Now, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued tenders worth ₹26.05 crore for maintaining a 37.472 km stretch, covering Surathkal to Nanthoor (NH-66), BC Road to Padil (NH-73), and the Nanthoor-Padil bypass. The scope of work includes resurfacing 11.084 km, clearing overgrown vegetation, managing road properties, enhancing safety, and handling emergencies.
Capt Chowta expressed gratitude to Minister Gadkari for expediting the project, which is expected to enhance trade, transport, and tourism. Additionally, the NHAI has finalized bids for building service roads at multiple points along NH-66, ensuring seamless and secure traffic flow.
These developments align with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, promising accelerated growth for the region.
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