Udupi Seeks Metro Link, IIT–IIM, National Recognition for Kambala in Proposal to PM Modi

Udupi Seeks Metro Link, IIT–IIM, National Recognition for Kambala in Proposal to PM Modi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 30, 2025: A comprehensive development proposal submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Krishna Mutt on Friday has outlined eight major initiatives for Udupi district, including metro rail connectivity to Mangaluru, national recognition for Kambala, and the establishment of premier institutions such as IIT, IIM and AIIMS.

The memorandum was presented to the Prime Minister by senior pontiff of Paryaya Putthige Mutt Sugunendra Tirtha and junior pontiff Sushrendra Tirtha, on behalf of devotees and citizens of Udupi district.

Highlighting the need for efficient regional transport, the memorandum noted that the 55-km coastal stretch between Udupi and Mangaluru faces heavy daily commuter traffic. The district administration has expressed readiness to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit/Metro corridor. It urged the Centre to include the Mangaluru–Udupi Metro project under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green and time-efficient connectivity.

The memorandum also sought national recognition for Kambala, stating that such status would help preserve the traditional sport, promote indigenous culture, boost tourism and bring wider recognition to Kambala jockeys. The Karnataka government has recently recognised the sport under the Sports Authority of Karnataka.

Another key proposal was the establishment of an international airport in Udupi district. The document pointed out that 1,000 acres of flat land is available and suitable for runway construction capable of handling large international aircraft.

In the education and healthcare sectors, the memorandum appealed for the setting up of IIT, IIM and AIIMS in Udupi. An AIIMS campus, it said, would significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare for Karnataka and North Kerala, while enhancing medical research, trauma care and super-speciality services in the region.