Manipal-Konaje Knowledge and Health Corridor stuck in limbo

Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Manipal-Konaje Knowledge and Health Corridor Project, announced five years ago to boost the development of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has remained confined to files due to lack of interest and political will.

The project was introduced in the Karnataka state budget for the year 2019-20 to encompass Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. In January 2020, a stakeholders’ workshop was held by the Karnataka Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation to prepare a feasibility report.

However, subsequent stages of the project stalled due to the government’s disinterest in attracting participating agencies and a lack of initiative from public representatives.

The project promised significant investments in education, healthcare, and tourism sectors, potentially creating thousands of job opportunities across the two districts.

Industry Urges for Implementation

Local industrialists highlighted the corridor’s importance, emphasizing its potential benefits for the districts’ development. They plan to escalate the matter to the Union Minister for Entrepreneurship and Skill Development and request the state government to expedite implementation.

What is the Knowledge and Health Corridor Project?

The project aimed to create a conducive environment for the establishment of educational and research institutions, manufacturing units, and healthcare facilities. It envisioned investments from public and private sectors, coupled with the creation of high-quality physical and supplementary infrastructure.

The corridor was also designed to harness opportunities in medical tourism, education, and health sectors, giving an economic boost to the districts. However, the lack of follow-through has left these aspirations unfulfilled.