Major Boost for Uttara Kannada as Karnataka Cabinet Approves Port, Airport and Island Projects
Cabinet clears ₹307.71 crore island development plan, ₹250.05 crore Karwar airport expansion and ₹6,925 crore Manki port project
Karwar: The Karnataka Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru on September 18 approved several major projects concerning Uttara Kannada district, covering port development, airport expansion, island tourism, fisheries and coastal tourism.
Seven Islands to be Developed at ₹307.71 Crore
The Cabinet approved the development of seven islands located across Karwar, Bhatkal and Ankola taluks. The islands include Madhyalingad, Devgad, Hog, Mongergudda, Kirikund, Ankani Cheggud and Kurumgad.
Tourism infrastructure will be developed across a total area of 59 acres and 31 guntas at an estimated cost of ₹307.71 crore.
The projects will be implemented under the Public Private Partnership model on a Design Build Finance Operate Transfer basis. The government expects revenue sharing of around ₹145.87 crore along with an annual lease fee of ₹8.7 crore, with the lease fee set to increase by 5 percent every year.
₹250.05 Crore for Karwar Airport Development
The Cabinet has granted revised administrative approval to increase the estimated cost of the Karwar Airport development project from ₹98.24 crore to ₹250.05 crore.
The existing 2,000 metre runway is proposed to be extended to 3,250 metres to facilitate the operation of A320 aircraft.
The project includes land acquisition, runway development, construction of a civil enclave, approach roads and rehabilitation of affected persons.
Steps have so far been taken to acquire 93 acres and 22 guntas of land. Of this, 59 acres and 14 guntas are required for the runway, while 32 acres and 20 guntas are earmarked for the civil enclave.
₹6,925 Crore Manki Port Project
The Cabinet has also approved the development of a multipurpose port and shipbuilding centre at Manki in Uttara Kannada with a capacity of 15 MTPA under the Public Private Partnership model.
The total estimated cost of the project is ₹6,925 crore, with assured revenue of ₹2,902.69 crore expected from the project.
The project is projected to provide an economic boost of around ₹28,000 crore to the state and generate approximately 44,800 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Fisheries Development Measures
Administrative approval has been granted for works worth ₹20 crore for the maintenance of fisheries link roads in Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.
The Cabinet has also decided to notify the coastal areas of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada as a Special Marine Zone to support the expansion of coastal fisheries and related economic activities.
Uttara Kannada Included in Coastal and Malnad Tourism Policy
The Cabinet has approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026, which seeks to promote tourism opportunities across the coastal and Malnad regions.
Under the policy, Uttara Kannada’s beaches, islands, Western Ghats, ecological attractions, adventure tourism and monsoon tourism have been identified for development.
Several tourism circuits have been proposed, including the Blue Green Circuit from the coast to the Ghats, Beach Surf Circuit, Western Ghats Eco and Adventure Circuit, Monsoon Circuit and Ancient Heritage Circuit.
The Cabinet decisions covering the port, airport, islands, fisheries and tourism sectors mark several major proposed investments and infrastructure initiatives for Uttara Kannada district.