The Karnataka Cabinet, convening in Mangaluru on September 18, approved a Rs 32,611‑crore package that puts Bhatkal and the broader Uttara Kannada coastline at the forefront of several large‑scale initiatives.
Under the scheme, Hog and Kirikund islands in Bhatkal taluk join five neighbouring islands in a Rs 307.71‑crore eco‑tourism programme covering a total of 59 acres and 31 guntas. The venture, to be executed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis through public‑private partnership, will later define specific facilities after statutory clearances.
Another flagship effort involves a Rs 6,925‑crore multipurpose port and shipbuilding centre at Manki in Honnavar taluk. Designed as a DBFOT project, the port aims for a 15 million‑tonne annual capacity, an estimated 44,800 direct and indirect jobs, an economic stimulus of roughly Rs 28,000 crore and guaranteed government revenue of Rs 2,902.69 crore. The site lies about 25 km from Bhatkal, promising spill‑over benefits for logistics and related industries along the coastal belt.
Karwar airport also received a revised budget, rising from Rs 98.24 crore to Rs 250.05 crore. The runway extension from 2,000 metres to 3,250 metres will accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320, pending clearance from the Indian Navy.
In addition, the cabinet gave in‑principle approval for a 343‑km coastal passenger ferry system linking twelve coastal centres from Mangaluru to Karwar, offering an extra travel option for Bhatkal residents and tourists.
Finally, a Rs 20‑crore allocation targets fisheries‑related roads and connectivity in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, aiming to strengthen the marine supply chain across the region.
Image: sahilonline.org
📰 Source: Sahil Online