Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 22: Following the persistent efforts of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has approved the transfer of maintenance of the Surathkal–Nanthoor–B C Road port connectivity stretch—currently under the New Mangalore Port Authority—to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). With this decision, a long-standing demand to resolve the persistent issues related to this crucial corridor within NMPT limits has finally been addressed.
This significant decision by NHAI paves the way for proper maintenance and long-term improvement of the Surathkal–Nanthoor–B C Road highway, one of Mangaluru’s most critical road corridors. It marks a permanent solution to a problem that has troubled road users for many years.
The port-connecting highway had deteriorated severely, causing considerable inconvenience to goods carriers and daily commuters. Recognising this, MP Capt Chowta had been pursuing the matter for over a year, urging that the Surathkal–Mangaluru–B C Road section be brought under NHAI maintenance. Currently, the stretch falls under the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a special purpose entity. Lack of a dedicated maintenance agency, inadequate funds, and the absence of timely repairs were the primary reasons for the highway’s poor condition.
Taking the issue seriously, MP Capt Chowta had personally met union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, requesting a permanent solution. As a result of his persistent efforts, the Ministry has now ordered the transfer of the Surathkal–B C Road port connectivity stretch to NHAI.
The ministry has also directed NHAI to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) at the earliest for the improvement of the Surathkal–B C Road highway and to initiate measures for enhancing road safety. Additionally, it has instructed that steps be taken to remove obstacles, address challenges, and strengthen the corridor to ensure smooth vehicle movement, providing a lasting solution to long-standing issues.
Responding to this historic decision, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta expressed his gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led government, union minister Nitin Gadkari, and all officials involved. He stated that transferring the Surathkal–Nanthoor–B C Road highway from NHLML to NHAI is a long-awaited demand finally fulfilled. As a member of parliament, he had accorded high priority to this matter and pursued it with sincerity, and now these efforts have borne fruit.
He added that bringing this highway under NHAI will greatly benefit daily commuters, businesses, and industries. It will also support better environmental and logistical functioning of the New Mangalore Port, further boosting economic activities in Dakshina Kannada.