Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Karnataka Cabinet Approves Major Coastal Infrastructure And Tourism Projects
The Karnataka government approved many projects for the coastal part of the state.
These projects include better roads, hospitals, schools, airports and water systems.
Some islands and beaches will be developed for tourism.
A new marine biotechnology policy will support research and businesses connected to the sea.
The Karwar airport runway may become longer so larger aircraft can use it.
Mangaluru’s Wenlock Hospital will receive 200 more beds.
The government also plans to improve fishing harbours, markets and roads used by fishing communities.
Officials will study whether boats could provide a Water Metro service on two rivers in Mangaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved infrastructure, healthcare, fisheries, connectivity and tourism projects across the coastal region.
Karwar airport’s proposed runway extension would increase its length from 2,000 metres to 3,250 metres, raising the project cost to Rs 250.05 crore.
The Cabinet approved Rs 400 crore for Mangaluru road improvements and sanctioned a 200-bed expansion of Wenlock District Hospital.
Twelve islands across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada will be developed under public-private partnerships for tourism and related facilities.
Other decisions included a marine biotechnology policy, fisheries infrastructure, rural roads, water projects, schools and a feasibility study for a Mangaluru Water Metro.
- Who
- The Karnataka Cabinet, meeting under Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, approved the projects; Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara provided details.
- What
- The Cabinet approved a broad package covering coastal infrastructure, tourism, fisheries, healthcare, transport, water supply, education and rural roads.
- When
- The decisions were approved at the Cabinet meeting held on Friday.
- Where
- The projects are concentrated in Mangaluru and the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, with some projects elsewhere in Karnataka.
- Why
- The stated aims include strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare and connectivity, supporting fisheries and marine biotechnology, and expanding tourism.
- Mangaluru road grant
- Rs 400 crore for cement-concrete roads and comprehensive road infrastructure development.
- Karwar airport
- The estimated cost rises from Rs 98.24 crore to Rs 250.05 crore; the runway is proposed to expand to 3,250 metres.
- Island development
- Twelve islands in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada will be developed under the PPP model.
- Marine biotechnology
- The Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31 includes Rs 60 crore over five years, plus additional incentives and programme funding.
- Wenlock District Hospital
- The Mangaluru hospital will receive 200 additional beds in the first phase, along with staff and equipment.
- Rural roads
- A state programme will develop 15,000 kilometres of rural roads at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
- Manki port project
- A proposed multi-purpose port and shipbuilding centre in Uttara Kannada is estimated to cost Rs 6,925 crore.
- Water Metro study
- The Karnataka Water Transport Board will assess the technical and financial feasibility of a Mangaluru Water Metro on the Gurupura and Nethravathi rivers.