Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Dec 2: Seeking the overall development of the coastal region, the Paryaya Puttige Math has submitted five major demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the introduction of Udupi–Mangaluru metro service and the establishment of an airport in Udupi.

During the Laksha Kantha Geetha Parayana programme held on November 28, Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji and junior pontiff Sri Sushreendra Teertha Swamiji presented the demands to the Prime Minister.

To strengthen public transport, the Math requested a metro service connecting the twin cities of Udupi and Mangaluru. It was also proposed that an international airport be established on the 1,000-acre land reserved near Padubidri, which would benefit the region’s trade, education, healthcare and religious tourism.

Udupi district has nearly 100 km of coastline and several key ports, including Malpe. The Math highlighted the potential for developing an international-standard port. It urged the centre to review and ease CRZ norms, which would help boost seafood exports, tourism and the fisheries sector.

Udupi, being a hub of educational and technical institutions, was proposed as a suitable location for an IT Park and an AI Innovation Park under the Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The Math also sought support for cloud-computing infrastructure development.

The petition further emphasized that Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, deserves recognition as a national sport. It requested financial support and infrastructure development through various central schemes to promote the region’s growth.