Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel stated, “Being appointed as MP for the third time and serving as state BJP president, I have shouldered various responsibilities. I began as a common BJP representative, nominated as an MP candidate in 2009.”

Speaking to the media on Monday, June 3, he continued, “In 2009, during my first term as MP, significant issues like the Shiradi Ghat, state highways, and national highways were in dire condition.

“The district has witnessed substantial development, not solely attributed to one government or MP, but as a collective effort. The contribution of US Mallya is noteworthy. From 2014 to 2019, development surged rapidly, including the establishment of a passport office and the elevation of Mangaluru airport to international status, making it the second-largest airport in the state.

“Mangaluru will soon host a new coast guard center, and we have introduced 100 Jana Aushadi centers. Thanks to the late Ananth Kumar’s efforts, the Plastic Park at Ganjimath was sanctioned, with 80% of the work completed.

“Construction of fishing jetties is underway, and the Prime Minister inaugurated a 4000 crore project, which is progressing swiftly. The third phase of MRPL's work is underway. Mangaluru was designated for a smart city project worth Rs 1000 crore, with the completion of a Rs 200 crore underground drainage project. Mangaluru is the only city to benefit from the Amruth scheme and smart city project.

“Navayuga company is developing the Talapady-Hejmady highway, and work is ongoing on the BC Road-Addahole route. The Kalladka flyover, initially delayed, is now progressing under two agencies in a package system, with 60% completion. The Bikarnakatte-Sanur project, valued at Rs 4711 crore, is underway and expected to be completed by December 2025. The BC Road-Charmadi road project is ongoing, with work set to commence on the Mani-Mysuru road development this year.

“Tenders have been issued for KPT and Nanthoor flyovers, with the KPT flyover work expected to start in two months. The Nanthoor flyover faces land acquisition issues, which we anticipate resolving soon.

“Bantwal and Subramanya railway stations have been upgraded, with Rs 350 crore worth of central railway projects and Rs 20 crore for junction railway station work. Railway-related projects worth a total of Rs 2000 crore, including electrification, are underway. Adani has invested Rs 5200 crore in two new projects at the airport. Additionally, Rs 99 crore has been allocated for constructing new 5G and 4G BSNL towers. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, we effectively managed the situation. The Shiradi Ghat tunnel project, with three tunnels and a flyover system, has progressed with DPR completion.”

Regarding the establishment of a separate Mangaluru railway division, Nalin stated, “There are legal hurdles between the Mysuru, Konkan, and Palakkad divisions. Efforts are ongoing to create a separate Mangaluru division by excluding the Konkan Railway from the Palakkad division.”

“We are confident in the victory of the BJP MP candidate tomorrow and pledge our full support. The initial two months may pose challenges for the new MP to continue project works, but it will gradually ease.

“During my tenure of 15 years, projects worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore have been sanctioned, with Rs 80,000 crore already completed.

“Delays in projects like Nanthoor and the KPT case in NGT have been due to legal issues.

“Work at Pumpwell remained stagnant for three years due to corporation, local administration, and land acquisition issues,” he added.

Responding to questions about being denied a ticket for the 2024 election, Nalin said, “The party has entrusted me with various responsibilities without hesitation. When I was first given a ticket in 2009, I was asked to contest, and I followed their direction. I also committed to stepping down when asked. Similarly, I obeyed the party's decision this time.”

Speaking on criticism against him, Nalin said, "While criticizing, there should not be personal hatred. If someone is permanently criticizing me, it means they have personal hatred towards me, and I have ignored it. In the Pumpwell issue, some have made good criticisms, which I have taken sportively. However, I have ignored those who have criticized me personally."