Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 12: In a major boost to industrial growth in Mangaluru and surrounding regions, the state government has implemented the new Industrial Policy 2025–30, under which agreements have been signed for investments worth Rs 4,000 crore across four industries.
Under the industrial development framework, regions have been classified into Zone-1 and Zone-2 to provide enhanced incentives and benefits. As per the new industrial initiatives, around 3,780 jobs are expected to be created in the coastal region. The policy mandates that 70 per cent of direct employment opportunities must be provided to Kannadigas, while 100 per cent of Group-D jobs should be given to locals.
District Industries Centres will monitor compliance with employment provisions for Kannadigas. In case industries fail to adhere to these norms, the matter will be brought to the notice of district-level and state-level single-window clearance committees and approval bodies. If negligence is established, recommendations may be made to withdraw the incentives and concessions granted to such units, the order stated.
In the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, a total of eight projects have been approved over the past two years (from 2023 to February 2026) during meetings of the State High-Level Clearance Committee and State Single-Window Clearance Committee. These projects are expected to attract investments worth Rs 344.67 crore and generate 1,030 employment opportunities.
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have gained national recognition in the hospitality and food industry sectors. In this backdrop, 12 companies had earlier announced investments of Rs 822.55 crore for the construction of hotels and resorts. In Udupi district, plans have been made to invest Rs 275 crore in the development of hotels, resorts, and water adventure tourism.
Among the approved projects, Dakshina Kannada accounts for six projects involving an investment of Rs 273.57 crore and generating 750 jobs, while Udupi has two projects with an investment of Rs 71.1 crore expected to create 280 jobs.
The state government has assured full support to investors in the tourism sector, and several stakeholders have signed Letters of Intent to invest during Tourism Conclave 2026. The government has formulated a tourism policy with special focus on developing coastal districts. Despite having a coastline of around 320 km, the region has not been fully utilized for tourism, and there is growing interest in developing it to global standards.
Mangaluru, being the only district in the state with integrated port, air, rail, and road connectivity, offers immense opportunities for industrial and tourism growth and investment. Agreements worth around Rs 4,000 crore have been signed, and if implemented as expected, more than 3,000 jobs are likely to be created.
MLC Ivan D’Souza stated that the initiatives are expected to significantly boost employment and development in the region.