Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 25: The state government has approved the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the four-lane expansion of the Mani-Sampaje stretch of National Highway-275, said Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
During the visit of public works minister Satish Jarkiholi to Mangaluru last week, Capt Chowta personally appealed for necessary action to prepare the DPR for upgrading the Mani-Sampaje highway to a four-lane road. Responding promptly, the public works department has granted approval to appoint a consultant for preparing the DPR for the widening of the 71.60-km stretch of NH-275 between Mani and Sampaje. Additionally, an order has been issued approving an expenditure of Rs 3.19 crore for this purpose under agency costs. With this approval, the tender process for selecting an agency to prepare the DPR will commence soon.
Major highway projects
Commending the swift response of the public works department, Capt Chowta said that several key national highways in Dakshina Kannada, including BC Road-Adahole and Punjalakatte-Charmadi, are already undergoing upgradation. Now, with the department approving the DPR preparation for another major highway in the district, a significant step has been taken towards its development, he added.
Benefits of the Mani-Sampaje highway expansion
The Mani-Sampaje highway is a crucial link connecting Dakshina Kannada with Madikeri and Mysuru. The highway's development will enhance accessibility to Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Mangaluru Port, and Mangaluru Airport, significantly benefiting the region’s trade and commerce. With the approval of the DPR, obstacles to the four-lane expansion have been cleared, and further processes by the National Highways Authority will proceed soon. Capt Chowta expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of local MLAs, the long-pending Mani-Sampaje highway development project will soon be implemented.
The demand to develop the Mani-Sampaje highway into a four-lane road under the Mangaluru division of NH-275 has been pending for several years. However, the proposal submitted in 2022 was delayed due to various reasons. As no progress was seen on the earlier proposal, Capt Chowta took special interest in the matter and submitted a fresh proposal to the National Highways Authority in January. Additionally, during the recent visit of the public works minister to the district, he urged for swift approval of the DPR preparation.