Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of the Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a comprehensive proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking large-scale infrastructural development for Udupi district during his recent visit. Representing devotees and citizens, Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji placed before the Prime Minister a series of development priorities aimed at boosting regional connectivity, tourism, technology, education and economic growth.
Proposal for international airport in Udupi
Highlighting the region’s rapid growth and increasing passenger demand, the pontiffs requested the establishment of a full-fledged international airport in Udupi district. They said nearly 1,000 acres of land within the district limits had been identified as “ideally suited” for airport development.
Currently, Mangaluru International Airport offers limited international connectivity, compelling travellers, students, pilgrims, and business communities to rely on airports in neighbouring districts or cities. The pontiffs urged the Union government to consider a Greenfield Airport project or a public-private partnership (PPP) model to expedite the process.
According to the proposal, an international airport would significantly benefit trade, healthcare, higher education, and spiritual tourism—sectors that have seen continuous expansion in Udupi over the last decade. They noted that Udupi receives lakhs of pilgrims every year and is also home to major educational institutions and healthcare centres, all of which require stronger global connectivity.
Demand for Mangaluru–Udupi metro or rapid transit system
The pontiffs further sought the Centre’s approval for a metro rail or rapid mass transit corridor linking Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch between the two cities witnesses extremely heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion, delays, and safety concerns.
They emphasised that a dedicated mass transit system would ease the pressure on the national highway, reduce pollution, and enable faster travel for students, IT professionals, industrial workers and tourists.
The district administration, they said, was prepared to begin work on an initial project report. The request also included bringing the corridor under national urban mobility programmes to ensure viability, funding support and long-term sustainability.
Push for coastal port development and tourism reforms
Seeking to strengthen maritime infrastructure, the proposal called for an international-standard port along Udupi’s coastline with a cruise terminal to promote cruise tourism and coastal trade. The region’s long coastline and steady tourist inflow, the pontiffs noted, make it ideal for marine-based tourism and hospitality projects.
They urged the central government to fast-track approvals for pending coastal tourism projects and to revisit Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to allow sustainable infrastructure, including beachfront facilities, eco-resorts, and water-based recreation, without harming the environment.
According to the proposal, easing these regulatory barriers would attract major investments and enhance the district’s profile as a global spiritual and leisure destination.
Request for IT & AI innovation park
Recognising the growing demand for digital innovation, the pontiffs requested the establishment of an IT and artificial intelligence innovation park with incubation support under Digital India and Startup India.
They said Udupi—already known for its educational institutions—could become a hub for AI-driven research, data security systems, cloud computing infrastructure and technology startups. The setting up of such a facility, they argued, would create jobs, support entrepreneurs and contribute to national digital independence.
Appeal for national sports status to kambala
The proposal also included a request to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to grant national sports status to kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka.
The pontiffs emphasised that kambala represents centuries of local culture and athleticism and deserved nationwide recognition. They sought financial assistance, infrastructure development support and inclusion of kambala training facilities under central schemes.
Requests for premier educational institutions
To strengthen the district’s educational ecosystem, requests were made for establishing premier national institutions in Udupi. This included:
- Notification of an AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
- Allocation of a new IIT campus
- Approval for an IIM under the Ministry of Education
The pontiffs said that Udupi, with its strong academic background, healthcare facilities and global diaspora, was well-positioned to host such top-tier institutions.
A comprehensive vision for regional development
The proposals placed before the Prime Minister collectively represent a long-term developmental roadmap for Udupi district. From world-class connectivity and tourism to education, sports and technology, the pontiffs highlighted the district’s readiness to embrace large-scale national projects.
If approved, these initiatives could bring transformative growth, elevate living standards, create employment and position Udupi as a major hub on the national and global map.