The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) recently convened its Industry Leaders' Forum at the Mangalore Club, where critical road and rail infrastructure enhancements in coastal Karnataka were brought to the forefront. Key projects discussed encompassed improvements to National Highways 75 and 66, the completion of railway electrification on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru ghat section, a proposed Mangaluru bypass, and plans for a new railway station.
Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament, Captain Brijesh Chowta, addressed the gathering and provided updates on several initiatives. He confirmed that railway electrification on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru ghat section has been fully completed. Additionally, work is progressing on the detailed project report for the Mangaluru bypass, which is slated to connect Surathkal and BC Road. Chowta also outlined plans for a lane-widening project on NH-66 near the New Mangalore Port Authority, the establishment of a new railway station between Padil and Jokatte, and ongoing efforts to transfer Southern Railway operations to South Western Railway.
KCCI President PB Ahmed Mudassar highlighted the Chamber's persistent advocacy on issues related to connectivity, taxation, and export challenges through its subcommittees and industry cells, with administrative support. He acknowledged the MP's role in enhancing motorability on the Shiradi Ghat stretch of NH-75 and noted the transfer of key stretches of NH-66 to the National Highways Authority of India for improved maintenance. Mudassar also referenced initiatives aimed at attracting investments, particularly in the renewable energy and pharmaceutical sectors.
CA Abdur Rahman Musba, Chairman of KCCI's Large Industries Committee and Treasurer, outlined the Chamber's strategic priorities and urged industries to utilize the KCCI Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre for arbitration matters.
Jeethan Allen Sequeira, Secretary and Chairman of the EXIM Cell, remarked that NH-75, once a major bottleneck between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, has seen significant improvement. He added that work on the Surathkal–BC Road stretch and the Mani–Sampaje four-laning project is progressing steadily.
The MP also discussed his 'Back to Ooru' initiative and released the latest KCCI journal, which details the vision. He mentioned that efforts are underway to establish a campus of the Indian Maritime University in Mangaluru.
