Mangaluru , 15 Jan

The Centre has approved the preparation of detailed project reports (DPR) for several key highway projects in the Dakshina Kannada district. Consultants have been formally instructed to begin work.

BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta announced the approval on Thursday, which includes the widening of the Surathkal–BC Road stretch via the Mangaluru Bypass and the construction of service roads along NH-66 from Talapady to Kundapur.

The highways serve as major entry corridors to Mangaluru city and are vital for daily passenger movement as well as the transport of goods to and from the New Mangalore Port. However, the lack of service roads and capacity constraints has resulted in severe congestion and safety concerns, Chowta said.

Following continuous representations, Chowta pursued the matter with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During the 2024 Monsoon Session of Parliament, he met senior ministry officials to highlight the need for service roads on NH-66. The issue was also raised at the DISHA committee meeting held in Mangaluru in September 2024.