Bengaluru: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded positively to the proposal for the construction of the ‘Kolluru Mookambika Corridor,’ a significant development project associated with the renowned Kollur Mookambika Temple in Udupi district in Karnataka. This information was shared by Shimoga MP BY Raghavendra, who led a delegation to Delhi to discuss the project with the Minister.
BY Raghavendra, accompanied by Byndur MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, met with Nirmala Sitharaman to advocate for the development of the corridor in the Byndur assembly constituency, which falls under the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency. The Kollur Mookambika Temple, situated in Udupi district, is one of South India’s most famous pilgrimage sites, boasting a history of approximately 1,200 years. It attracts over 10,000 pilgrims daily from various parts of India and abroad.
The proposed Kollur Mookambika Corridor is an ambitious project that encompasses a range of development initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity of the region. Key components of the project include the cleaning of the Souparnika River, the creation of a Shankaracharya theme park, the construction of multilevel parking facilities, and the improvement of air, rail, bus, and port connectivity. Additionally, the project envisions the introduction of a cable car service, improved road connectivity to historic temples in Byndur, and the development of nearby beaches and waterfalls. The development of the Panchagangavali River in the Kollur area is also part of the plan.
During their meeting, the delegation, which included former administrative priests of the Kollur temple, Sri Krishna Prasada Adyanthaya, and Venkatesh Kini of Byndur, emphasized the importance of these developments for the region. They presented a comprehensive proposal outlining the potential benefits of the corridor, not only for enhancing the pilgrimage experience but also for boosting tourism and economic growth in the region.
MP Raghavendra shared the positive outcome of the meeting on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), where he informed that Nirmala Sitharaman had promised to take prompt action regarding the corridor’s construction. The Union Minister’s supportive response has generated optimism among the project’s proponents, who see it as a significant step forward in realising the ambitious plans for the Kollur Mookambika Corridor.
The construction of the corridor is expected to bring substantial benefits to the region, improving infrastructure and providing better facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit the Kollur Mookambika Temple every day. The project also holds the potential to boost local tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development in the surrounding areas.
As the project moves forward, people are hopeful that the necessary approvals and funding will be secured swiftly, allowing the construction of the Kollur Mookambika Corridor to commence without delay. The positive response from the Union Finance Minister marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards transforming the Kollur Mookambika Temple area into a world-class pilgrimage and tourist destination.
