Bhatkal: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced the establishment of a Super Specialty Hospital in Karwar at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore while presenting the state budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly, with the government also outlining several initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, tourism and fisheries in the coastal region.

The announcement fulfils a long-pending demand of the people of Uttara Kannada district. Earlier, Ankola–Karwar MLA Satish Sail had said he would resign if the project was not included in the budget. During his previous visit to Uttara Kannada, the Chief Minister had also assured the public that their demand would be considered. The project has now been included in Siddaramaiah’s 17th state budget.

It may be recalled that a Multi-Specialty Hospital costing ₹198 crore has already been constructed in Karwar. The government now plans to demolish an old building within the same premises and construct a new Super Specialty Hospital at a cost of ₹100 crore. Additional funds required for the project will be released later.

The proposed facility is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare services in Uttara Kannada district by providing advanced medical treatment. It will also help residents of Karwar and nearby areas access emergency and specialized care locally instead of traveling long distances to major hospitals.

Focus on basic infrastructure
The budget also places special emphasis on improving basic infrastructure in coastal and Malnad regions. To ensure safer mobility for residents and schoolchildren, the government has proposed construction of pedestrian footbridges at 300 locations.

In addition, bridge and bund construction projects have been planned in Sirsi and Siddapur taluks to improve connectivity and transport facilities in rural areas.

Promotion of local products
The government has also announced measures to promote and brand Geographical Indication (GI)-certified products from the district. These initiatives are expected to help expand the market distribution of the region’s unique local products.

Tourism development plans
To boost tourism along the coast, the budget proposes development of eco-friendly accommodation facilities, walking corridors, tourist information centres and other basic infrastructure in the Tadri area of Uttara Kannada through public-private partnership projects.

The government also plans to introduce and promote activities such as seaplane services, heli-taxi connectivity, joy rides, sea cruises and water adventure sports to improve tourist access to coastal destinations.

Medical college in Puttur
The budget also proposes establishing a medical college with a 300-bed hospital in Puttur of Dakshina Kannada district at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore. However, demands to set up units of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Mangaluru for treatment of poor patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases were not addressed in this year’s budget.

Havyaka language academy
The budget also proposes establishment of a Havyaka Bhasha Academy to preserve and promote the language and cultural heritage of the Havyaka community, a linguistic minority in the region.

The Havyaka language is spoken by Havyaka Brahmins across several districts of Karnataka, including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru, as well as in Kasaragod district of the neighbouring state of Kerala. The language contains a significant proportion of archaic Kannada vocabulary.

New policy initiatives
The Chief Minister also announced plans to introduce a Multi-Modal Logistics Policy to promote development in the ports and sand supply sectors. Other proposals include a Karnataka State Offshore Resources Development and Utilization Policy to tap opportunities such as cage fish farming and renewable energy.

The budget also includes plans to establish a Centre of Excellence at the fisheries campus of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Mangaluru, construct hostels for students from backward communities, develop modern fish markets and set up an IT park.

Mixed reactions
Residents of Uttara Kannada have welcomed the various programmes announced for the district, particularly the Super Specialty Hospital project. However, there has also been disappointment that key demands such as diesel subsidy for fishermen and granting ownership rights to forest land occupants were not addressed in the budget.