Budget 2026: Karwar gets super speciality hospital to be set up at cost of Rs 100 crore

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that a super speciality hospital will be established in Karwar at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The announcement was made while presenting the 2026–27 State Budget in the Legislative Assembly.

The proposed hospital is expected to strengthen advanced healthcare facilities in Uttara Kannada district and nearby coastal regions. The project is aimed at improving access to specialised medical treatment for residents of the region.

In the budget, the Chief Minister also outlined several initiatives focusing on the development of coastal districts. A Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan will be prepared to tap the tourism potential of the region. Under the plan, connectivity between coastal tourist destinations will be enhanced through Sea Plane and Heli Taxi services in partnership with aviation and water adventure tourism operators. Joy Ride and River Cruise activities will also be promoted.

Measures were also announced to support agriculture and fisheries sectors in the coastal belt. To control diseases affecting arecanut and coconut crops, including leaf spot, yellow leaf disease, bud rot, black-headed caterpillar and whiteflies, community-based pest and disease control programmes will be implemented in association with universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras at a cost of Rs 10 crore.

The value of fishing equipment kits provided free to fishermen will be increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to encourage fishing activities. A Centre of Excellence will also be set up at the Fisheries College in Mangaluru to promote biotechnology industries, innovative technologies and mariculture.

To improve fish marketing infrastructure, Matsyadarshinis will be established in Belagavi, Davanagere, Hubballi and Chikkamagaluru. New fish markets will also be constructed in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Bagalkote districts.

The government will allocate Rs 20 crore for maintenance of fisheries link roads. Fishermen will also be trained in modern technologies to increase fish production in rivers, lakes, farm ponds and reservoirs.

For the safety of people living in remote habitations of the Malnad and coastal regions, the government plans to construct 300 foot bridges.

Other announcements include the formulation of a Comprehensive Multimodal Logistics Policy to strengthen port and cargo sectors, and a Karnataka State Offshore Resources Development and Utilisation Policy to promote cage fish farming and renewable energy opportunities.

The government also plans to form development authorities for Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple and Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple to improve basic facilities and ensure overall development of the temple towns.

The second phase of construction work at the Mangaluru Central Prison will be taken up this year. Approval has also been given to construct a 300-bed hospital as part of the proposed medical college in Puttur.

Additionally, new police stations will be established at Mani and Sajipa Nadu in Dakshina Kannada district, the Chief Minister said.