Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 18: In a significant push to infrastructure development in Dakshina Kannada, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 64 crore for a series of highway improvement works, including the maintenance and upgradation of the BC Road–Punjalakatte stretch on National Highway 73.

Announcing the allocation, Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta detailed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved Rs 34.53 crore for maintenance works on the nearly 20-km stretch between BC Road and Punjalakatte.

Focus on BC Road junction

In addition, Rs 22.59 crore has been sanctioned to upgrade the road from BC Road junction towards Bantwal, up to Sri Narayana Guru Mandir, into a four-lane highway. This specific stretch had been pending widening for some time. Further, Rs 6.92 crore has been earmarked for maintenance works at key locations, including the BC Road junction and the critical Charmadi Ghat section of NH 73.

Highlighting the significance of the projects, Chowta said the completion of these works would improve traffic flow and accelerate economic activity. “The development of these key highways will give a fresh impetus to smooth transportation and economic growth in our region. It is a major step towards building a ‘developed Dakshina Kannada’,” he said.

Progress on other projects

The MP expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for the consistent financial support. He also noted that the upgradation of the Ujire–Dharmasthala–Periyashanthi highway into a two-lane road, at an estimated cost of Rs 613.665 crore, is progressing at a brisk pace.

With the latest sanctions, work on the BC Road–Punjalakatte stretch and the four-laning project near BC Road junction is expected to commence shortly. Chowta added that these initiatives would significantly strengthen the national highway network in the district, ensuring better connectivity and sustained regional development.