Malnad Area Development Board for loan from NABARD to improve connectivity in Malnad region

The Malnad Area Development Board (MADB) has sought a loan from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to take up works, including the construction of footbridges, in the Malnad region, said MADB chairman R.M. Manjunath Gowda.

In a press conference here on December 31, Mr. Gowda said that the board had prepared an action plan requiring over ₹200 crore. The works proposed include footbridges, hanging bridges and bridges to improve connectivity in the Malnad region. NABARD has agreed to offer the loan, provided the State government is the guarantor. “There are many places in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts, where rural people face difficulty reaching their places during the rainy season, when many streams flow in spate. Last year, a person died in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga while crossing the stream. We need around 300 footbridges. If NABARD grants us a loan, we can complete the construction of footbridges at one go,” the chairman said.

Similarly, Mr. Gowda said MADB has proposed to construct a hanging bridge near Rameshwara in Tirthahalli taluk. The hanging bridge will connect a habitat that lacks road connectivity. Besides that, the structure will boost the tourism in the region. “The board discussed the proposal in its meeting held at Belagavi during the legislature session. The MLAs gave their approval for the proposal. The State government is expected to consider our request to become guarantor for the loan,” he said.

MADB, which caters to 10 districts spread over 64 assembly constituencies, has a total of 104 members. In the financial year 2025-26, the State government allocated ₹33 crore for MADB’s activities. Of that, ₹24.95 crore has been spent. Besides that, the board got special grants of ₹8 crore, which had been spent for various works, including the development of a century-old government school in Tirthahalli taluk, Mr. Gowda noted.

He also released the board’s diary for the year 2026 on the occasion. Officers of the board were present.