27 National Highway projects underway in Karnataka with outlay of Rs 31,749 crore
Udupi: As many as 27 National Highway (NH) projects are currently in progress across Karnataka, with a total sanctioned outlay of Rs 31,749 crore. This was revealed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary in the Lok Sabha, as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Poojary had sought detailed information regarding the status of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects in Karnataka, including updates on project timelines, sanctioned budgets, current progress, and expenditure incurred.
In response, the ministry stated that feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) form the basis for investment decisions, which are aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
According to the ministry’s data, the 27 ongoing NHAI projects in Karnataka span a combined length of 1,151 km, of which 537 km have been completed. The total expenditure incurred so far amounts to Rs 14,455 crore.
Among the prominent initiatives, six-laning work on the Nelamangala-Tumakuru section (NH 48), sanctioned at Rs 2,032 crore has seen just 10.3 km completed out of 44.73 km.
Another delayed project is the construction of a six-lane bridge across the Phalguni River near Kulur on NH-66 in Mangaluru. While Rs 27 crore has already been spent on foundational works, overall progress remains limited. The bridge's revised completion deadline is now set for December 31, 2025.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
