Bids being finalised to take up projects worth ₹169 crore under Nagarothana Scheme, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said here on Sunday that bids are being finalised to take up infrastructure projects worth ₹169 crore of the ₹200 crore sanctioned for Mangaluru City Corporation under the Nagarothana Scheme.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Mahakalipadu Railway Under Bridge (RuB), Mr. Rao said that some of the pending projects will be taken up with an investment of ₹169 crore, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be invited to launch those projects.

The ₹200 crore was sanctioned to Mangaluru by the State government in the 2024-25 State Budget.

Mr. Rao said instructions have been given to the Dakshina Kannada district administration to scout for land in Mangaluru to set up Data Centres and Global Capacity Centres (GCCs). KEONICS is also said to open an IT Park on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and the government is now upgrading the Government Wenlock Hospital.

Affirming the commitment of the government to develop the Karavali region and the State, Mr. Rao said there was no politics in developmental initiatives. “The BJP might criticise it as wasteful expenditure, but it was with foresight that the government has taken development initiatives, including guarantee schemes. The effect of our initiatives will be seen in another three years,” he said.

Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh (B.S. Suresha) said the Government has sanctioned a total of ₹2,400 crore under Nagarothana Scheme for development projects in different cities. Under the Smart City Mission, projects worth ₹7,000 crore have been taken up in the State. Of this, ₹900 crore projects were taken up in Mangaluru. “Whatever money is needed for the city’s development, it will be immediately released by the government,” he said.

MLC Ivan D’Souza demanded a separate government scheme for laying an underground drainage network across the city. He requested Mr. Suresh to review pending Smart City projects and ensure their early completion.

Speaker U.T. Khader also said a few words.

Meanwhile, residents of Mahakalipadpu demanded that the Southern Railway not permanently close the Manned Railway Level Crossing at Mahakalipadpu. Rajgopal, a resident, said that with the slightest rain, there will be waterlogging at the RuB, and it will affect traffic movement. “The railways should not permanently close the Level Crossing with the opening of the RuB,” he said.

Residents of houses near Moily Kere, a water body adjoining the RuB, said they are affected by the mosquito menace due to breeding in the lake, which is polluted with the seepage of drainage (sewage) water.