The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has identified ten islands for potential tourism development, with three located in Udupi district and the remaining seven in Uttara Kannada district. In Udupi, the islands earmarked for projects include Dariya Bhaudurgad (27 acres), Malpe (8.2 acres), and Ayaba (3.9 acres). In Uttara Kannada, four islands are situated in Karwar taluk—Kurumgad (5.05 acres), Madhyalingad (6.16 acres), Devgad (12.11 acres), and Mogeraguda (6.56 acres)—while Ankani Cheggudu (11.68 acres) is in Ankola taluk, and Hog (16.22 acres) and Kirikunda (2.1 acres) are in Bhatkal taluk.
The KMB plans to develop these islands through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically following the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) framework. The estimated investment for these tourism-related projects is approximately ₹313.5 crore, with ₹225.5 crore allocated for the seven Uttara Kannada islands and ₹88 crore for the three in Udupi. Karnataka has a total of 106 islands within 12 nautical miles of its coast, with 20 under KMB jurisdiction.
Additionally, the KMB announced plans for a 110-km transport corridor connecting Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Udupi, featuring five stops along the route. The project is estimated to cost ₹37.79 crore, with a proposed concession period of 20 years and projected revenue of ₹179.29 crore for the operator. This initiative aims to enhance maritime transport along Karnataka’s coast, integrating tourism and commerce while improving mobility along the National Highway-66 corridor.
The KMB emphasized its commitment to supporting investors throughout the project lifecycle, providing assistance in development and implementation, and ensuring timely delivery through effective monitoring and dispute resolution. The board’s efforts align with the state’s Karnataka Maritime Development Policy, 2024, which promotes targeted interventions for island development.
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