A long-pending infrastructure issue in Dakshina Kannada is moving towards resolution as tenders have been invited for the operation and routine maintenance of key highway stretches under the New Mangalore Port Road Company Limited (NMPRCL). This initiative aims to enhance connectivity to New Mangalore Port, said Dakshina Kannada MP, Capt Brijesh Chowta.
The MP stated that he had written to all relevant officials and pushed for improvements in port road connectivity from his very first parliamentary session. In his meetings with Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and through his letters to the ministry, he emphasised the urgent need to address several issues on the NH-66 stretch from BC Road to Surathkal. These included road maintenance, hazardous black spots, stormwater drainage, and other critical concerns, given the stretch’s importance for port access.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has now invited tenders for a project valued at Rs 26.05 crore, covering a total stretch of 37.472 km, including:
Surathkal to Nanthoor on NH-66, BC Road to Padil on NH-73, the bypass from Nanthoor Junction to Padil.
The scope of work includes:
- Â Overlaying of 11.084 km (Surathkal to APMC, Kulur to AJ Hospital, and Nanthoor to Padil).
- Carriageway cleaning and removal of overgrown vegetation.
- Road safety improvements.
- Incident management.
“With improved service roads, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and better connectivity to New Mangalore Port, this project will boost trade, transport, and tourism in the region. I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for enabling this initiative so swiftly, putting Dakshina Kannada on the fast track to growth in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Capt Chowta.
Additionally, the NHAI has finalised bids for several key infrastructure projects along NH-66, including the construction of service roads at multiple locations to ensure smoother and safer traffic movement. These development works will commence soon, he added.