Captain Brijesh Chowta.
Credit: DH Photo
Mangaluru: The high-speed express corridor project between Mangaluru and Bengaluru has gained momentum, with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways having already completed the tender process. The work on preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will commence shortly, said MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
Providing details of the project, Chowta said a letter regarding the construction of the high-speed corridor road between the two cities was received from Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
“The tender for preparing a DPR was awarded on April 30, and it is expected to take about 18 months to complete. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Nitin Gadkari and the officials of the highway authorities concerned for taking the significant step towards implementing the ambitious project, which will support the comprehensive development in Dakshina Kannada, including commercial activities in Mangaluru,” he said.
The proposed high-speed express highway is expected to have four to eight lanes and will pass through Hassan. Once built, it will significantly enhance the transport infrastructure between the two cities. The improved road will reduce traffic congestion, considerably shorten travel time between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, and provide an all-weather connectivity. The project will not only benefit Mangaluru but also aid the development of the entire South Karnataka region and the surrounding cities. It is also expected to boost the growth of the Mangaluru Port, tourism, trade, and commercial activities, Chowta added.
He said he held several meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Uma Shankar, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and several other key officials and ministers. “If the expressway becomes a reality, the travel time between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, which is currently around 7-8 hours, could be significantly reduced.”