Approval granted for DPR preparation for Surathkal–BC road upgradation, NH-66 service roads

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 15, 2026: In a significant move to strengthen road infrastructure in coastal Karnataka, approval has been accorded for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Mangaluru Bypass, upgradation of the Surathkal–BC Road, and construction of service roads along NH-66 from Talapady to Kundapur.

These projects cover key entry points into Mangaluru and critical port-access corridors that handle heavy commuter, freight, and industrial traffic.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said consultants have been formally authorised to begin DPR preparation, with Notices to Proceed already issued. The DPRs will evaluate alignment alternatives, service roads, grade-separated junctions, capacity enhancement, safety upgrades, and long-term congestion-mitigation measures along the NH-66 corridor.

The MP noted that during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in June 2024, he met Vinay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and strongly advocated the need for service roads between BC Road and Surathkal, citing daily commuter difficulties and congestion caused by port-bound traffic. He later raised the Mangaluru Bypass issue at the DISHA Committee meeting on September 13, 2024, urging the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to initiate concrete action by preparing formal proposals. A follow-up letter was also sent to NHAI regional officers in October 2024.

Capt Chowta expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and NHAI for addressing these long-pending demands and for prioritising infrastructure planning in Dakshina Kannada.

He explained that upgradation of the highway passing through BC Road via Padil and Nanthoor Circle would effectively function as a bypass for Mangaluru city. Once completed, the Mangaluru Bypass is expected to permanently ease congestion at Nanthoor and resolve several other traffic bottlenecks within the city.

The Surathkal–BC Road stretch has already been transferred from NHLML to NHAI. However, the absence of road widening has resulted in severe congestion, particularly due to heavy cargo traffic accessing the port. The proposed upgradation is expected to offer a long-term solution to these challenges.

As part of the broader highway development plan, service roads will be constructed along NH-66 from Talapady to Kundapur. The lack of service roads has caused hardship to local residents and raised serious road safety concerns. The project also includes an elevated road from the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) area to Baikampady. The DPR for this elevated corridor has already been prepared, and the project has reached the tender stage, the MP added.