News Brief
Centre Appoints Consultant To Prepare Detailed Project Report For Bengaluru–Mangaluru High-Speed Road Corridor
(Droneman/Twitter)
The Union Ministry of Transport and Highways has appointed a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed high-speed expressway corridor between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, The New Indian Express reported.
According to the TNIE report, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a letter addressed to Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, confirmed that the agreement with the DPR consultant was signed on 30 April.
The report’s preparation is expected to take approximately 18 months.
MP Chowta expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari, and relevant officials, calling it a "significant step" towards realising the ambitious project.
The proposed four to eight lane expressway, which will pass through Hassan, is expected to transform the transport landscape between the two cities.
The MP added that the expressway will not only boost the development of Mangaluru and South Karnataka but also benefit surrounding regions.
It is anticipated to further enhance the operations of the New Mangalore Port and encourage growth in tourism, trade, and commerce.
Additionally, Chowta stated that the Railway Ministry is working on a DPR for a separate railway line in the Shiradi Ghat area.
Given the ecological sensitivity of Shiradi Ghat, located in the Western Ghats, a request has been made to form a joint committee of the Railway Board and National Highways Authority of India to assess the potential for developing road and rail infrastructure in parallel along this critical stretch.
