Implementing master plan for Mangaluru development is my top priority: MUDA Chairman Santhosh Kumar Shetty

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 31, 2026: Newly appointed Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman Santhosh Kumar Shetty has said that implementing the long-pending master plan for Mangaluru will be his top priority. He also identified speeding up residential layout development, strengthening urban infrastructure, simplifying procedures and ensuring affordable housing for low- and middle-income families as key areas of focus.

Speaking to mediapersons after assuming office on Monday, Shetty said MUDA should play a larger role in the overall development and expansion of Mangaluru instead of being limited to developing and allotting residential sites.

“The master plan proposal was submitted to the government in January, and the clarifications sought by the government have also been furnished. The minor hurdles will be discussed with Minister U T Khader and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and the plan will be implemented soon after obtaining the government’s final approval,” he said.

He said the master plan was crucial for ensuring the systematic and planned growth of Mangaluru and would therefore be taken up on priority.

Residential layouts

Shetty said steps would be taken to expedite infrastructure works and the allotment of sites in various MUDA layouts.

The Kunjathbail layout, spread over around 18 acres, comprises nearly 200 sites. Of these, 35 have already been allotted, while the process of allotting the remaining sites is under way.

The Konaje layout, spread across 13.5 acres and comprising 142 sites, has been delayed due to certain technical issues. These issues will be resolved and development work will resume soon, he said.

At the Chelyaru layout, development work has begun on around 700 sites spread across 45 acres. The earlier confusion regarding the revision of site costs will be addressed based on the prevailing market value, Shetty said.

Focus on infrastructure

Shetty said MUDA should not restrict itself to site development and allotment but should contribute to the comprehensive development of Mangaluru’s infrastructure.

“Mangaluru city needs to expand towards Surathkal, Baikampady and Mulki. MUDA will also undertake plans to construct flyovers and underpasses in the coming days,” he said.

He said MUDA would identify lakes and other waterbodies within its jurisdiction and take steps to accelerate their development and rejuvenation.

As the availability of large parcels of land for developing parks like Kadri Park is limited, MUDA would explore the development of smaller parks in residential neighbourhoods. Available plots measuring around 25 or 50 cents would be utilised, while suitable private land could also be acquired for the purpose, he said.

Affordable housing

With land prices in Mangaluru rising steadily, purchasing residential sites has become increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income families.

To address the issue, MUDA plans to develop affordable residential sites and housing projects on the outskirts of the city, Shetty said.

Procedures to be simplified

Shetty also said steps would be taken to eliminate the role of middlemen and brokers in MUDA-related processes.

“Since the rules and procedures are complex, people are often forced to depend on engineers or middlemen. The procedures will be simplified after discussions with elected representatives, MLAs and officials,” he said.