The Malnad Area Development Board (MADB) has formally approached the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for a loan to finance a wide-ranging infrastructure push across the Malnad region, MADB chairman R.M. Manjunath Gowda said at a press briefing on 31 December. The board has drawn up an action plan with estimated costs exceeding ₹200 crore, focused primarily on footbridges, hanging bridges and other small-scale bridge works to improve rural connectivity.
Malnad connectivity project funding and priorities
Mr Gowda said NABARD has agreed in principle to extend the loan but has stipulated that the State government must act as guarantor. The proposed works are intended to address recurring problems during the monsoon, when many streams rise rapidly and cut off communities. “There are many places in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts where rural people face difficulty reaching their places during the rainy season. Last year, a person died in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga while crossing a stream,” he said, underlining the safety imperative behind the proposals.
The board estimates the need for roughly 300 footbridges to deliver reliable, year-round access. If NABARD’s loan is approved with the State as guarantor, MADB expects to expedite construction and complete a large tranche of these works at once rather than through piecemeal projects.
Among the schemes is a proposed hanging bridge near Rameshwara in Tirthahalli taluk. According to MADB, the hanging bridge will link a settlement currently without road access and will also support local tourism by opening up easier access to scenic and cultural sites.
MADB covers ten districts and 64 assembly constituencies and consists of 104 members. The board reported that the State government allocated ₹33 crore for MADB activities in the 2025–26 financial year, of which ₹24.95 crore has been expended. In addition, MADB received special grants totalling ₹8 crore, used for various development works including the restoration of a century-old government school in Tirthahalli taluk.
The proposal was discussed at a board meeting held in Belagavi during the recent legislature session, where local MLAs voiced support. Mr Gowda said the board now awaits a decision from the State government on providing the required guarantee to unlock NABARD funding.
If approved, the loan would allow MADB to move swiftly from planning to implementation, reducing delays that often accompany repeated small allocations and ad hoc repairs. Officials argue that a consolidated programme will deliver better value for money, improve safety for residents, and support the region’s economic and tourism prospects by ensuring access even during the monsoon.
On the occasion, Mr Gowda also released the MADB diary for 2026. Board officers attended the event and reiterated their commitment to pressing ahead with the proposals pending the State government’s decision on the guarantee.
Next steps will include finalising detailed project reports, securing formal approval of the State guarantee, and concluding loan documentation with NABARD. With the necessary backing, MADB aims to begin procurement and construction phases within months, prioritising locations where residents face the greatest seasonal risks.
Key Takeaways:
- MADB has sought a NABARD loan of over ₹200 crore to fund footbridges and hanging bridges across the Malnad region.
- The board estimates around 300 footbridges are needed to improve safety and year-round access in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts.
- NABARD has agreed in principle, subject to the State government acting as guarantor; MLAs have already approved the proposal.
- The Malnad connectivity project is expected to boost tourism, reduce seasonal isolation and accelerate regional development.
