Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Jul 13: A brainstorming session titled "Udupi Vision 20-30-35" was organised in the city to prepare a comprehensive developmental roadmap for the district. The program was jointly organised by the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) in association with the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers and Architects (ACCEA), the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), and the Builders' Association of India (BAI), Udupi Centre.

The event brought together public representatives, government officials, industrialists, and professionals, who shared their insights for the long-term progression of Udupi district. Participants stressed the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure, noting a growing interest among tourists to visit coastal Karnataka. They suggested promoting homestays while emphasizing the necessity of improved railway and air connectivity. The expansion of fisheries, harbor facilities, and water sports were also identified as key priorities.

Launching the program's promotional video, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "We are making sustained efforts to merge the Konkan Railway with the Indian Railways network. Once achieved, it will secure greater funding, facilitate track doubling, and allow more trains to operate. Alongside this, the government and stakeholders are working together to improve connectivity, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate the economic growth of the coastal region."

Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde noted, "Implementation of shared opinions is crucial when a government is in power. Years ago, we had a vision for Udupi that led to it becoming a separate district from Dakshina Kannada. As the chief minister recently highlighted during his visit to Mangaluru, coastal tourism has immense potential. Today, we see tourists from Goa visiting Udupi and the coastal belt. We must focus on developing resorts, homestays, and shipbuilding facilities to strengthen our coastal economy."

CREDAI Udupi president Sudheer Shetty said, "Udupi and Mangaluru consistently rank at the top of academic merit lists. We have world-class educational institutions, yet many graduates move to Bengaluru and other cities for jobs. We must create IT parks, encourage startups, and generate local employment. Furthermore, our district needs better roads, green spaces, sports facilities, and inclusive infrastructure. To achieve this vision, Udupi should be upgraded from a municipal council to a municipal corporation."

Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal stated, "To build the district effectively, we must understand Udupi's core strengths. It is essentially the banking and financial capital of Karnataka, having given birth to institutions that shaped India's economy. Visionary leaders like Dr T M Pai and Dr V S Acharya set remarkable benchmarks. Today, our Gross District Domestic Product exceeds Rs 75,000 crore, and our per capita income has crossed Rs 6 lac. Going forward, we will focus on coastal tourism, IT, shipbuilding, and natural resource imports. However, a world-class city cannot shut down at 8 pm; we need industries that operate round the clock. Alongside economic growth, sustainable development must remain a priority as our coastal region faces climate challenges."

MLA Sunil Kumar said, "I have submitted a proposal to introduce a metro rail service from Konaje to Manipal. This project will accelerate urban development and significantly reduce travel time for thousands of people. I also believe Udupi needs an international-standard stadium and a modern sports complex at Padubidri to nurture sporting talent."

MLA Yashpal Suvarna added, "Udupi has produced a large number of doctors and engineers who currently serve outside the district. Encouraging them to contribute their expertise locally will greatly benefit Udupi. Additionally, the district strongly needs a government medical college and a government engineering college to strengthen higher education and improve healthcare services."

MLAs Gururaj Gantihole and Kiran Kumar Kodgi, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji, deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, Coastal Development Authority chairman M A Gaffoor, Udupi Urban Development Authority chairman Dinakar Heroor, industrialist Prasadraj Kanchan, and coordinators Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Dr A P Achar, Dr Shivananda Nayak, Surendra Herur, Prasad Upadhya, Kiran Kumar, Congress leader Muniyalu Uday Kumar Shetty, UCCI president A Prabhakar Nayak, ACCEA president Bhagwan Das, former ACCEA president Yogeesh Chandra Dhar, and CREDAI representative Amit Aravind were present.