The Union Minister for Law M. Veerappa Moily hinted that the chances of Mangalore getting the Rs. 2000 crore central package under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) are very slim. He spoke at a party workers meeting held in Mangalore on Tuesday.
The minister said that Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy had informed him that Mangalore cannot be brought under the JNNURM since the population of the city is less than specified.
Mr. Moily said: “Mangalore may not get the scheme owing to its current population. Now, the local administration must decide whether it can show a higher population to the union government by including additional areas such as Mulky.” He said that he had urged the minister to grant Mangalore the scheme since the city comprises a special economic zone.
The minister further said that the 6-lane concrete road between MRPL and Surathkal has not yet been sanctioned. He said: “The project has not been sanctioned; however, I have requested MRPL authorities to sanction a tender system to the project.”