Centre transfers Surathkal–Nanthoor–BC Road stretch to NHAI after MP Brijesh Chowta’s efforts

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 22, 2025: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved the transfer of the Surathkal–Nanthoor–BC Road port connectivity stretch—falling under the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA)—to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This approval comes as a major outcome of the persistent efforts of Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta, fulfilling a long-pending demand to resolve highway maintenance issues within the NMPA limits.

With this significant decision, one of Mangaluru’s most critical road corridors will now receive proper maintenance and upgrades, offering a permanent solution to the long-standing problems of the Surathkal–Nanthoor–BC Road highway.

The port connectivity road had deteriorated severely, causing serious inconvenience to both heavy goods vehicles and daily commuters. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, MP Chowta had been consistently pushing for over a year to bring the Surathkal–Mangaluru–BC Road stretch under NHAI’s jurisdiction. The road is currently under the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle responsible for freight management. A lack of a dedicated maintenance agency, shortage of funds, and inadequate periodic attention significantly contributed to the road’s poor condition—an issue MP Chowta sought to resolve.

On July 23, 2024, MP Chowta met Joint Secretary Vinay Kumar of MoRTH, highlighting concerns such as heavy freight movement, absence of service roads, accident-prone zones, and poor drainage. This initial intervention led to the sanction of ₹28.58 crore for improvement works.

MP Chowta also met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari several times, submitting a formal request on June 26 to transfer the highway from NHLML to NHAI. During the last monsoon session, he personally briefed the minister on how the transfer would benefit port operations, strengthen freight movement in the coastal belt, and enhance the region’s connectivity.

As a result of these sustained efforts, the Ministry has now ordered the transfer of the Surathkal–BC Road port connectivity stretch to NHAI. The Ministry has directed NHAI to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) at the earliest for improving the highway and implementing necessary road safety measures. It has also instructed NHAI to address long-pending issues affecting smooth traffic flow on this corridor by undertaking strengthening and upgradation works.

Responding to the Ministry’s decision, MP Brijesh Chowta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Nitin Gadkari, and all officials involved. He said the transfer marks a historic decision for Dakshina Kannada, strengthening freight movement and boosting the district’s economic activities. He added that this was a major long-standing demand and that he had prioritized it since becoming MP. The move, he said, will significantly benefit daily commuters, industries, and improve the ecosystem around New Mangalore Port.