Mangalore: Additional secretary exclusively to monitor DK, Udupi - Oscar
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Sep 22: Union minister for transport, road and highways Oscar Fernandes on Sunday September said that an additional personnel secretary will be appointed exclusively for the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to monitor development projects here on a day-to-day basis.
Oscar Fernandes was addressing a discussion on 'Development and progress of coastal Karnataka' organized by Rachana, Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Bishop’s House here.
He made the announcement while responding to a memorandums on development works submitted by Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo and by Rachana.
The memorandum presented by J R Lobo was on road connectivity, tourism and railway, and the need for creation of job opportunities. The development works listed in the memorandum included construction of flyovers at Nanthoor, Pumpwell and KPT, development of Mangalore – Bangalore highway, prioritizing construction of tunnel road in Shirady ghat, and sanctioning of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project for integrated development of Mangalore city.
Lobo also proposed upgrading NITK Suratkal to IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) and to setting up central institutes in Mangalore as they are part of non-polluting development. "Youth of the region migrate in search of jobs. Hence infrastructure development, IT, tourism, industrial and service sectors should be given immediate attention," he added.
He suggested the need to improve Mangalore-Bangalore train connectivity to reduce commutation time. "Traffic on Konkan Railway track is already over saturated. Hence, the track between Mangalore and Mumbai needs to be doubled. There is also a need to establish divisional railway office in Mangalore," he said.
Rachana forum also presented a memorandum of requirements for the development of coastal Karnataka.
Responding to the memorandum, Oscar Fernandes promised to give special focus to development of this region. “All these activities are in different stages of progress. There is an opportunity to start many other development projects. It is logical to demand extension of Mangalore-Bangalore train connectivity to not only two days a week but all seven days, including night train. Presently, Bangalore-bound commuters have to needlessly pass via Mysore. There is a need to cut short the commutation time. This will be taken up seriously,” he added.
"Funds to construct Nanthoor flyover was already in the sanctioning stage, however, the issue to remove cables and water pipeline hindered the project," the union minister said. "Bangalore-Hassan road is ready for inauguration and there is discussion on constructing a tunnel road in Shirady Ghat at the earliest. We will also try to attract non-polluting companies including spare part manufactorers to the district,” he said.
Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the bishop on behalf of the diocese felicitated Oscar Fernandes for taking up the post of union transport minister. In addition, representatives of different organization including Rachana felicitated the minister with garlands and bouquets.
President of Rachana Ivan D’Souza welcomed and delivered the introductory address. Secretary John Monteiro proposed the vote of thanks.