Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta conversing with B. Umashankar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, in Delhi on Tuesday.

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta on Tuesday urged the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), B. Umashankar, for the early approval of the proposed Mani-Sampaje four-lane project on National Highway 275 by finalising the highway alignment.Meeting the Secretary in Delhi, Capt. Chowta said that it is a long-pending project critical for improving connectivity between Dakshina Kannada and the hinterland.He stressed that the project is essential for enhancing road safety, easing traffic movement, and supporting the region’s economic growth.Special Grant sanctionedAt the same time, Capt. Chowta also sought the immediate intervention of the Secretary to improve the condition of the existing highway. The ministry has sanctioned a special grant of ₹49.2 crore for the repair and maintenance of the 71.60 km stretch, providing much-needed relief to commuters until the project is taken up, Capt. Chowta said in a statement.He said that the meeting also reviewed the progress of developing the Shiradi Ghat section of NH-75.The MP welcomed the approval of the project’s alignment by the Alignment Approval Committee, marking a significant milestone for the Mangaluru – Bengaluru Expressway. With the Detailed Project Report already awarded and currently under preparation, the project will now proceed to the next stage, including environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances, he said.Capt. Chowta said that strengthening connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru remains one of his foremost priorities and that he would continue to work closely with the Union government to ensure the timely implementation of these critical infrastructure projects for the benefit of the coastal region.“When we want more people to come back to Mangaluru, we must first ensure world-class connectivity. Better roads are gateways to economic opportunities, investment, and jobs, making Dakshina Kannada an even better place to live, work, and build a future. That is why I remain committed to relentlessly pursuing these projects until they become a reality,” he said in the statement. Published - July 07, 2026 09:51 pm IST