Udupi: Public representatives, government officials, industrialists and professionals came together in Udupi for a brainstorming session titled “Udupi Vision 20-30-35”, aimed at preparing a long-term development roadmap for the district. The participants emphasised the need to strengthen tourism, improve connectivity, expand industrial opportunities and create sustainable infrastructure to support Udupi’s future growth.
The programme was jointly organised by the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI), the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers and Architects (ACCEA), the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) and the Builders’ Association of India (BAI), Udupi Centre.
Tourism and connectivity emerge as key priorities
Participants highlighted the growing popularity of coastal Karnataka among domestic and international tourists and stressed the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure.
Suggestions included promoting homestays, improving railway and air connectivity, expanding fisheries and harbour facilities, and developing water sports to enhance the district’s tourism potential.
The speakers observed that better connectivity and improved tourism infrastructure would contribute significantly to Udupi’s economy and generate employment opportunities.
Push for Konkan Railway integration
Launching the promotional video for the initiative, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said efforts are being made to integrate the Konkan Railway with the Indian Railways network.
According to him, such integration would help secure greater funding, facilitate track doubling and allow the operation of more trains.
He said the government and stakeholders are working together to improve transport connectivity, strengthen infrastructure and accelerate economic growth across the coastal region.
Focus on tourism and coastal economy
Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde said implementing developmental ideas is essential when governments are in office.
He recalled the vision that led to Udupi becoming a separate district from Dakshina Kannada and said the region now has significant potential to emerge as a major coastal tourism destination.
Referring to the increasing number of visitors from neighbouring states, he called for the development of resorts, homestays and shipbuilding facilities to strengthen the coastal economy.
Call for IT parks and municipal corporation
CREDAI Udupi President Sudheer Shetty said Udupi and Mangaluru consistently produce high-performing students through their educational institutions.
However, he pointed out that many graduates leave the district in search of employment elsewhere.
He called for the establishment of IT parks, support for startups and creation of more local employment opportunities. He also stressed the need for improved roads, green spaces, sports infrastructure and inclusive urban development.
Shetty further suggested that Udupi be upgraded from a municipal council to a municipal corporation to support its growing urban needs.
Sustainable development highlighted
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prateek Bayal said Udupi has established itself as Karnataka’s banking and financial hub and has contributed significantly to the country’s financial sector through visionary leaders such as Dr T M Pai and Dr V S Acharya.
He said the district’s Gross District Domestic Product has crossed Rs 75,000 crore, while its per capita income has exceeded Rs 6 lakh.
Bayal identified coastal tourism, information technology, shipbuilding and natural resource imports as future growth sectors. He also stressed that sustainable development must remain central to planning, particularly in view of climate-related challenges faced by coastal districts.
Metro proposal and education initiatives
MLA Sunil Kumar said he has submitted a proposal for a metro rail service connecting Konaje and Manipal, stating that the project would reduce travel time and support urban expansion.
He also proposed the establishment of an international-standard stadium and a modern sports complex at Padubidri to promote sports in the district.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna emphasised the need to encourage doctors and engineers from Udupi working outside the district to contribute locally. He also called for the establishment of a government medical college and a government engineering college to strengthen higher education and healthcare services.
Stakeholders discuss long-term roadmap
The brainstorming session witnessed participation from elected representatives, senior government officials, business leaders and professionals, who shared suggestions on shaping Udupi’s development over the coming decades.
Among those present were MLAs Gururaj Gantihole and Kiran Kumar Kodgi, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, Coastal Development Authority Chairman M A Gaffoor, Udupi Urban Development Authority Chairman Dinakar Heroor, industrialist Prasadraj Kanchan and representatives of various organisations.
The organisers said the ideas gathered during the session would contribute towards preparing a comprehensive roadmap for Udupi’s sustainable and inclusive development through 2035.