Surathkal-BC Road Stretch to be Handed Over to NHAI, Says MP Brijesh Chowta

Surathkal-BC Road Stretch to be Handed Over to NHAI, Says MP Brijesh Chowta

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 30, 2025: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has given in-principle approval to transfer the Surathkal-BC Road stretch of the national highway to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta announced on Saturday.

The highway stretch, previously maintained by the special purpose vehicle (SPV) New Mangalore Port Road Company Ltd., has been plagued by inadequate service roads and drainage issues, causing inconvenience to commuters. Calling this arrangement "peculiar," the MP said he had urged the Union Minister and the ministry secretary to dissolve the SPV and hand over the stretch to NHAI. "They have agreed to do the needful," he stated.

MORTH has sanctioned Rs 26 crore for the maintenance of 11.1 km of the national highway, covering Surathkal to APMC, Kuloor to AJ Hospital, and Nanthoor to Padil. The funds have been transferred to NHAI, and maintenance work is set to begin by April 15, aiming for completion before the monsoon. A cross drain will be constructed at Thumbe, and vegetation clearing on the highway’s median and carriageway will also be undertaken.

Addressing traffic issues, the MP announced plans to ease congestion at Nanthoor Junction by providing a ‘free left’ passage for vehicles on all four sides.

Additionally, the Mangaluru-Kabaka Puttur train service is set to be extended to Subrahmanya, with an inauguration expected by the Railway Minister in April.