Home Minister inspects new Mangaluru district jail construction, directs expedited completion

Home Minister inspects new Mangaluru district jail construction, directs expedited completion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 14, 2025: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday inspected the ongoing construction of the new Mangaluru District Jail in Bantwal taluk and urged officials to expedite the work. He also instructed them to submit a proposal seeking ₹87 crore from the government to ensure the project’s early completion.

During his visit, the minister also toured the existing jail at Kodialbail in Mangaluru. He observed that two mobile signal jammers at the old facility were non-functional and directed the jail authorities to upgrade to advanced jammers that restrict mobile signals within the jail premises without affecting the surrounding areas.

 

The minister also instructed Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy to conduct surprise inspections of the old jail to curb illegal activities. Jail authorities, in turn, highlighted the urgent need for additional staff.

Accompanying the minister, MLC Ivan D’Souza stated that ₹110 crore was required to complete the construction of the new jail building, including a compound wall and staff quarters. He emphasized the importance of addressing pending works, such as sanitary and electrical installations, to facilitate the immediate shifting of inmates to the new facility.

"The minister has assured the release of ₹87 crore to complete the jail building and its compound wall, while the construction of staff quarters will be taken up in the next phase," D’Souza said.

The project, initiated in 2019, has faced significant delays due to escalating costs, preventing its completion. The home minister also sought clarification from officials about the sequence of construction, questioning the decision to erect the jail structure before completing the compound wall.

With the minister’s intervention, officials are now expected to prioritize the jail’s completion and transition inmates from the overcrowded Kodialbail facility to the new premises.