Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary demands greenfield expressway between Talapady in Dakshina Kannada and Karwar in Uttara Kannada

The demand for a greenfield expressway between Talapady in Dakshina Kannada and Karwar in Uttara Kannada, raised by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary in the Lok Sabha, brings to the forefront critical issues concerning India's infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and parliamentary procedures. This initiative is not merely about constructing a road; it reflects the growing pressure on existing infrastructure and the strategic importance of coastal connectivity for economic growth and public safety.

**Background Context and the Existing Challenge:**

National Highway 66 (NH 66), previously known as NH 17, is a vital arterial road running parallel to India's western coast, connecting Panvel (Maharashtra) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). It traverses through four states – Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala – and is a lifeline for trade, tourism, and inter-state movement along the Konkan and Malabar coasts. The Karnataka stretch of NH 66, particularly between Talapady and Karwar, has witnessed rapid urbanization and increased vehicular traffic. Despite being upgraded to a four-lane highway, the existing alignment often passes through congested towns and ecologically sensitive areas, leading to bottlenecks, frequent accidents, and significant travel delays. The MP's demand highlights this acute congestion and the resultant fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for an alternative, more efficient route.

**The Demand for a Greenfield Expressway and Parliamentary Procedure:**

A greenfield expressway implies a new alignment, constructed on virgin land, away from existing habitations and infrastructure. Such projects offer the advantage of designing high-speed, access-controlled corridors with minimal disruption to existing traffic during construction. They allow for better engineering, wider lanes, and fewer curves, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing safety. MP Kota Srinivas Poojary raised this demand under **Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha**. This rule allows Members of Parliament to bring to the attention of the House matters of urgent public importance that are not points of order or cannot be raised under other rules. It's a mechanism for MPs to voice specific concerns of their constituency or region, urging the government to take note and action, without a formal discussion or vote.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Interests:**

Multiple stakeholders are involved in such a large-scale infrastructure project. The **Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP and the local populace** are the primary beneficiaries and proponents, seeking improved connectivity, reduced travel time, enhanced safety, and economic opportunities. The **Union Government, specifically the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)**, are the implementing agencies. Their interest lies in fulfilling the nation's infrastructure needs, ensuring efficient project execution, and managing finances. The **State Government of Karnataka** plays a crucial role in facilitating land acquisition, providing necessary clearances, and ensuring coordination with local bodies. **Businesses and industries** along the coastal belt, including tourism, fisheries, and logistics, stand to gain immensely from faster transportation and reduced operational costs. Conversely, **environmental groups and local communities** whose land may be acquired raise concerns about ecological impact, displacement, and fair compensation.

**Significance for India's Infrastructure and Economy:**

This proposed greenfield expressway holds significant implications for India. Firstly, it aligns with the Union Government's ambitious **Bharatmala Pariyojana**, a flagship program aimed at optimizing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps. By providing an alternative, high-speed corridor, it will decongest NH 66, improve logistical efficiency for port cities like Mangaluru and Karwar, and boost trade and tourism in the coastal Karnataka region. This enhanced connectivity can spur industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and integrate remote areas into the mainstream economy. Furthermore, reducing accidents and fatalities on a major national highway contributes to public safety, a critical aspect of governance.

**Constitutional and Legislative Framework:**

Infrastructure development, particularly national highways, falls under the purview of the Union Government. This is enshrined in the **Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution**, where **Entry 23 of the Union List** explicitly mentions "National Highways." The legal framework for the development and maintenance of national highways is provided by the **National Highways Act, 1956**. Any land acquisition required for such projects would be governed by the **Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act)**, which mandates fair compensation and rehabilitation for affected individuals. Environmental clearances would be obtained under the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, following a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

**Future Implications and Broader Themes:**

Should this demand materialize into a concrete project, it would signify a strategic investment in the economic backbone of coastal Karnataka. The future implications include accelerated economic development, improved social amenities, and better access to markets. However, challenges such as land acquisition, environmental clearances (especially in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region), and project financing will need careful navigation. This project also highlights the broader themes of cooperative federalism, where state and central governments collaborate for developmental goals, and the imperative for sustainable infrastructure development that balances economic progress with ecological preservation. The success of such greenfield projects sets a precedent for future infrastructure planning, emphasizing the shift towards high-speed, dedicated corridors to meet India's growing transportation demands.