A stretch of NH 66 between Nanthoor and Surathkal in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
Union Ministry of Transport and Highways has agreed to transfer the Surathkal-Nanthoor-B. C. Road Port Connectivity Project (which is a stretch of both NH 66 and NH 75) from the New Mangalore Port Road Company Limited (NMPRCL) to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for proper maintenance and upgradation.
It is a major boost to Dakshina Kannada’s transport network. The move sets the stage for reliable maintenance and long-term enhancement of one of Mangaluru’s most critical road corridors, Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta said in a release on Friday.
The office memorandum of the Ministry dated October 30, said, “…In view of the decision taken in the 94th Board Meeting of the Board of Directors of SPV (NMPRCL) held on September 26 at NHLML Headquarters in New Delhi and recommendation of NHLML, Competent Authority has decided that subject project asset may be transferred from NHLML to NHAI with immediate effect…”
It further added: “NHLML is further directed to undertake due statutory process for winding up the SPV (NMPRCL) under applicable laws. NHAI & NHLML shall work out the financial liabilities arising out of closure of the SPV. NHAI being promoter of the NHLML shall meet such financial obligations out of the budgetary funds allocated. NHAI to initiate action for taking up immediate measures required for strengthening maintenance and safety on the project highway and invite DPR for suggesting long term solutions for reducing congestion and enhancing safety on the project highway including assessing capacity augmentation requirement.”
Capt. Chowta, who has been working on this transfer for a year, said, “…This decision will transform mobility and logistics efficiency in Mangaluru. It is a long-overdue step that will directly benefit commuters, businesses, and the port ecosystem…”
Mangaluru’s most vital road corridor will now receive priority, funding, and professional maintenance under NHAI, the MP said.
The MP met Vinay Kumar, Joint Secretary, MoRTH, on July 23, 2024, and apprised him of the urgent need to improve the Surathkal-Nantoor-B. Road highway section, citing heavy cargo traffic, frequent black spots, and inadequate drainage and service roads. This intervention resulted in the sanction of ₹28.58 crore to upgrade this corridor. Later, he met the Secretary on March 17 and demanded to transfer the stretch to NHAI.
Having highlighted the maintenance concerns on several occasions in his discussions with Minister of Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the MP later pressed for the corridor’s transfer to NHAI, underscoring that this alone could ensure a lasting and sustainable solution. He wrote to the Minister for the same on June 26, 2025. The MP later held another meeting with the Minister on July 24.
Published – November 21, 2025 08:44 pm IST
