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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Dharamsala (PTI): A clinical show by the pacers helped India beat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 International to take 2-1 lead in the five-match series here on Sunday.

After the pacers produced a mesmerizing spell of swing bowling to bundle out South Africa for a below-par 117, the Indian batters chased down the target with 25 balls to spare.

Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill contributed 35 and 28 respectively, while one down Tilak Varma made 26 not out as India reached 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs.

Earlier, Arshdeep Singh (2/13), Harshit Rana (2/34) and Hardik Pandya (1/23) shone with the ball after India chose to bowl.

Skipper Aiden Markram offered the lone spark for South Africa with a spirited 46-ball 61.

Brief Scores:

South Africa: 117 all out in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 61; Arshdeep Singh 2/13, Harshit Rana 2/34, Hardik Pandya 1/23, Varun Chakravarthy 2/11, Shivam Dube 1/21).

India: 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 35, Shubman Gill 28, Tilak Varma 26 not out; Corbin Bosch 1/18).