Dakshina Kannada MP appeals to Nitin Gadkari for spur roads to enhance connectivity to Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, Kollur

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and submitted a request for the construction of spur roads between Periyashanti-Paichar and Guruvayanakere-Bajagoli to enhance connectivity to Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala and Kollur.

Accompanied by Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja, Chowta met Minister Gadkari in New Delhi and urged the development of two spur roads to improve connectivity to major pilgrimage centres in the coastal region, ensuring easier and more direct travel for devotees.

The request includes upgrading the Periyashanti-Paichar road as a spur road to connect NH-75 and NH-275. Currently, pilgrims from Bengaluru travelling to Kukke Subrahmanya Temple use NH-75 via Shiradi Ghat, while those from Kerala use NH-275. Elevating the Periyashanti-Paichar road as a link between these highways would provide direct connectivity for devotees and tourists, enhancing accessibility to Kukke and Dharmasthala.

Chowta emphasised the need to develop the Guruvayanakere-Bajagoli road as a spur road connecting NH-73 and NH-169. This road would reduce travel time for pilgrims visiting Dharmasthala and the Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur while boosting tourism. Additionally, it would help ease traffic congestion on existing highways in the region. Therefore, Chowta requested Gadkari to review and approve the Guruvayanakere-Bajagoli spur road project.

The development of these spur roads would significantly enhance temple tourism in Dakshina Kannada and the coastal region, improving local infrastructure. Chowta also pointed out that creating alternative routes would provide an economic boost to the area while minimising environmental impact.

In response, Gadkari acknowledged the request positively and assured that a feasibility study would be conducted to assess the benefits and challenges of these projects. He has directed authorities to take the necessary steps.