Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 9: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta on Saturday said the Charmadi Ghat section of National Highway-73, a vital passage through Karnataka’s Western Ghats, is set to undergo a major expansion, widening the route to two lanes with a central allocation of Rs 343.74 crore.

The MP told PTI on Saturday that the 11-kilometre stretch would be expanded, improving connectivity between Mangaluru, Mudigere, and Tumakuru.

With the tender process completed, construction is expected to begin soon, aiming to ease travel for passengers from Karnataka's coastal districts and enhance regional goods transport, a change expected to positively impact local commerce.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this upgrade, Capt. Chowta thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and officials involved in advancing this project, noting its anticipated benefits for the local economy and Karnataka’s connectivity.

"The expansion will not only alleviate traffic bottlenecks along Charmadi Ghat but also transform it into a more dependable transit corridor," he remarked.

According to officials, the project will improve links between coastal regions and upghat areas like Chikkamagaluru and Hassan and for travellers heading toward Bengaluru. The narrow roads in Charmadi Ghat have long created a bottleneck, restricting smooth flow.

However, National Highway authorities have indicated that it remains uncertain whether the upgraded highway will directly aid container shipments, such as coffee and spices, moving through New Mangaluru Port.

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Mullanpur (PTI): Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly were in a punishing mood, making 93 and 87 respectively, to drive Punjab Kings to an imposing 254/7 against Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match here on Sunday.

Arya and Connolly added 182 runs in just 13.2 overs for a massively entertaining second wicket stand for PBKS, as they tallied this IPL season's highest total, going past RCB's 250 for three.

LSG managed to dismiss the duo and Punjah skipper Shreyas Iyer in quick succession but the home team had already built a superb launching pad by then for Marcus Stoinis (29) to cash in.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings: 254/7 in 20 overs (Cooper Connolly 87, Priyansh Arya 93; Prince Yadav 2/25).