Anand G Pai, President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed hope that major works on converting National Highway (NH) 75, between BC Road in Dakshina Kannada district and Donigal in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka, into a four-lane highway will be completed by May 2025. NH 75 is the major road link between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
Anand G Pai, KCCI President, said that KCCI has been actively advocating for the expedited completion of the four-laning of NH 75, a critical infrastructure project that has faced numerous technical and bureaucratic hurdles over the years. The delays have significantly impacted export-import (exim) trade and commuters, with monsoon-related landslides causing frequent disruptions and blockages.
For over a decade, these challenges have persisted, prompting KCCI to engage proactively with policymakers, as well as State and Central government authorities. Over the past two years, KCCI has rigorously pursued this matter through personal interactions and formal representations, urging the Member of Parliament (MP) from Dakshina Kannada, Capt Brijesh Chowta, and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to expedite the completion of the project from BC Road town to Sakleshpur.
“While service roads and other works are anticipated to be completed by June 2026, all main stretches will be open for two-lane traffic by May 2025. This will facilitate smoother movement of cargo, particularly containerized shipments from Bengaluru and Hosur to the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), boosting exim trade and tourism across Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi districts,” he said.
Giving details on the division-wise progress of the highway works, he said major works, including flyovers, are nearing completion from BC Road to Gundya under the NHAI’s (National Highways Authority of India) Mangaluru division, except for one flyover. Stating that 90-95 per cent of this section is expected to be completed by May, he said small stretches with granite rock deposits are being addressed on priority.
On NHAI’s Hassan division, he said work on the 10-km stretch between Addaholey and Maranahalli, a crucial segment connecting the ghat section, is currently 80 per cent complete with four-lane concrete roads. A 600-meter stretch will remain two-lane due to geographical limitations. However, plans are underway to construct a larger-span bridge to maintain four-lane continuity, he said.
“The completion of this project is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, education, and port-related activities, leading to substantial economic benefits for the region. The improved connectivity will create employment opportunities and promote regional development,” he said.
KCCI acknowledged the efforts of the NHAI Project Directors of Hassan and Mangaluru divisions, along with the technical expertise demonstrated by engineers and contractors in overcoming complex challenges.
“Their commitment is instrumental in realizing the long-anticipated goal of a fully upgraded NH 75, ensuring seamless connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru,” Pai said, adding, “We also acknowledge the JSW Business Development team for their active support in KCCI’s efforts, including correspondence with the concerned authorities, meetings with NH officials, and additional efforts such as travelling along NH 75 to inspect the road repair works undertaken by the NHAI.”
Published on April 10, 2025